Chandigarh, September 22 - The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed ‘profound grief’ over the sad demise of eminent public figure Brig (Retd.) Jagdish Gagneja, who passed away in the DMC Hospital Ludhiana this morning, following a fatal attack on him early last month.
“It’s a huge loss to the state and the country. Punjab has lost a forceful voice which articulated the concerns of the state and its people while remaining selflessly away from pubic glare and shunning personal glory. All his life, he served the nation in the true traditions of a soldier, maintaining a low profile even while contributing in a most significant way to the welfare of Punjab and Punjabis.
We have lost a great champion of Hindu Sikh unity and communal harmony but the ideals to which he devoted his life would be upheld by the people. The self-effacing and humble manner in which he took up Punjab’s causes at various national forums will serve as an example to those who place the interests of the state above their own,” said the Chief Minister in his condolence message.
Meanwhile, Mr. Badal’s Advisor on National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains told media persons today that the Chief Minister is away to Patna to participate in the International Sikh Conference to mark the 350th Parkash Utsav of the Tenth Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji and would visit the bereaved family on his return.
In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that the attack on Brig Gagneja was an attempt to disturb the hard-earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state for which he worked hard all his life. But the designs of those who committed this heinous crime will never be allowed to succeed, he said.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Punjab to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state at all costs. “This will be the best and the greatest tribute to the departed leader,” said Mr. Badal.
