A freedom fighter, Nazar Singh, 100, died here after prolonged illness on Friday. He was cremated with full state honours at his native village of Ghal Kalan in the district. His family members lit the pyre while a contingent of the Punjab police reversed the arms.
Nazar Singh had served in the Indian National Army (INA) under the leadership of Captain General Mohan Singh. Nazar Singh had also worked with Gandhi, Jhansi and Nehru brigades.
He joined the freedom struggle in 1936 and, later, he joined the INA, started by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 1942. Post-retirement, Nazar Singh had worked for the welfare of the families of freedom fighters. He had also remained president of the Punjab unit of the All India Freedom Fighter Organisation.
Punjab PWD minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the freedom fighter on behalf of the Punjab government.
On this occasion, Sekhon said, "We can never forget our freedom fighters who fought for the freedom of the people. We are also committed to the welfare of their families."
He further said that Nazar Singh had done a remarkable work for the welfare of the families of freedom fighters. "He served the country for whole of his life and he never missed an opportunity to help the society in all fields," the minister added.
{{/usCountry}}He further said that Nazar Singh had done a remarkable work for the welfare of the families of freedom fighters. "He served the country for whole of his life and he never missed an opportunity to help the society in all fields," the minister added.
{{/usCountry}}VK Sharma, commissioner, Ferozepur, Moga deputy commissioner Parminder Singh Gill and Gurcharan Singh Sangha, president of the Freedom Fighters Association, also attended the cremation ceremony.