Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 25

The Assembly today paid tributes to the four martyrs who laid down their lives in anti-terrorist operations at Pathankot and Srinagar and mourned the death of former colleague and four-time MLA from Gangath in Kangra district.Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the nation was proud of the martyrs who had made the supreme sacrifice fighting the militants. “Not just Himachal but the entire country is proud of these soldiers,” he said. He said the state government had decided to give Rs 20 lakh to the families of the martyrs as a mark of respect.He also lauded former MLA Des Raj from Gangath in Kangra who passed away on February 1, 2016. “He remained a member of this House on four occasions in 1982, 1990, 1998 and 2007 and always worked for the uplift of the weaker and downtrodden, for which he will be always remembered,” he said.Leader of the Opposition PK Dhumal said the BJP MLA worked relentlessly for ensuring the development of his constituency. “As Chairman of the Finance Commission and member of various committees, he made immense contribution for which he will always be remembered,” said Dhumal. He also paid tributes to the four martyrs.