Shimla, Aug 15 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday remembered the martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country.
In a message on the country's 69th Independence Day, he said the best way to of paying homage to the martyrs would be to rededicate ourselves for strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation.
"The people of Himachal Pradesh had contributed a lot in the freedom struggle and thereafter in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country.
"Many of our youth joined the Indian national army to free the country from the clutches of the foreign yoke," he said in a written message.
He said the state government has enhanced the 'Samman Rashi' or honorarium of the freedom fighters from Rs.7,500 to Rs.10,000 per month and for their widows and unmarried daughters from Rs.3,500 to Rs.5,000 per month.