New Delhi   

PM expresses concern over poor upkeep of INA memorial

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Concerned over “poor upkeep” of the grand old Indian National Army (INA) memorial at Salimgarh Fort in the historic Red Fort complex here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday visited the spot to take stock of the situation. Mr. Singh walked around the campus and spent time at the museum that has photographs and uniforms displayed.

“The Prime Minister expressed concern at the poor upkeep of the museum and its premises. He was told that the departments concerned were seized of the matter and appropriate action would be taken. The Prime Minister expressed hope that such places of historical importance were brought alive with a mix of display of historical material and other lively activity of interest to the general public,” said an official release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) later.

A rather neglected corner of Delhi’s history, the INA memorial that keeps a significant chapter of the freedom struggle alive has never really found place on most visitors’ map. The museum, which houses some clothes, photographs and badges of the INA soldiers, has remained inaccessible and the story of their bravery has unfortunately been limited to history books, say experts.

“The memorial was opened in 1995, but is thrown open only on special days. The Prime Minister wanted to know whether connectivity to Salimgarh Fort from the Red Fort could be improved. He said it was important to upgrade the museum,” said sources in the Archaeological Survey of India.

While the Prime Minister’s visit will help bring into focus the decrepit condition of the INA memorial, the recent inclusion of the Red Fort as a World Heritage Site in UNESCO’s list is also likely to help. Older than the Red Fort, Salimgarh Fort has remained on the fringes of the rather romanticised Red Fort with its marble pavilions.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

“Bong Connection”
A music concert to promote public awareness on AIDS
Multi-crore scam in real estate unearthed
Shekhawat misusing office: Dasmunsi
Two held for impersonation
Water supply to be affected
Eight new major road projects for Delhi
The name ‘Sanjeev’ was called out, says BMW witness
PM expresses concern over poor upkeep of INA memorial
Sentenced for gang rape
Orientation ceremony at IMT Ghaziabad
Sahib Singh remembered
Panel to look into AIIMS doctors’ selection
MCD to fine radio-taxis
Babubhai’s bail plea rejected
‘No weapon was recovered’
Hurt and pained by ‘bypass’
Strike begins
No end yet to JNU stalemate
Blueline buses stay off the roads
Two nabbed for murder
Held with drugs
Yoga camp
A film festival to stress communal harmony
In THE CAPITAL TODAY

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu