GUWAHATI, March 31 - In a major relief to the Sainik Welfare Board of Assam, the Gauhati High Court has paved the way for construction of the war memorial on the northern bank of the Dighalipukhuri, disposing off the petition challenging the construction.
The construction was challenged after almost 80 per cent of the work was completed, bringing to a halt the construction activities.
The court on Wednesday, in response to a public interest litigation filed against the construction by some leading citizens, ruled that the war memorial would surely inspire the children and youths of Assam to join the armed forces and it would also inculcate in them respect for the members of the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
While advocate BK Mahajan represented the Sainik Welfare Board, BD Goswami appeared on behalf of the petitioners. The Government was represented by BS Goyal.
The court referred to the affidavit filed by the Board and said, �The undertaking of the Sainik Welfare Board guarantees that the water-body will remain preserved and protected from encroachment. Since the grievance of petitioner stands redressed, we finally dispose off this petition without any order against the respondents, Sainik Welfare Board/ State Government.� The Board in its affidavit had also stated that no construction activity would be done inside the water-body.
A group of citizens had challenged the construction of the war memorial contending that the same was being constructed on Government land outside the demarcated area of the water-body.
