LUDHIANA:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday urged the Government of India to name the newly inaugurated Halwara International Airport after legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, calling it a long-overdue tribute to one of the youngest icons of India’s independence movement.

Raising the demand in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during the inauguration of the airport’s terminal building, the Chief Minister said Sarabha’s supreme sacrifice at the age of 19 continues to inspire generations, including Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, who regarded him as his role model.

Asserting that Punjab is moving steadily towards aligning its modern infrastructure with its spiritual and revolutionary heritage, CM Mann said the state envisions all four of its airports being named after revered Gurus and martyrs. He added that Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport in Amritsar and Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport in Adampur already honour Gurus, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali commemorates a martyr, with Halwara proposed to follow suit.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the Centre to further strengthen international connectivity from Mohali Airport, stating that enhanced air links are vital for Punjab’s economic growth, diaspora engagement and global outreach.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Halwara Airport, CM Mann acknowledged the Indian Armed Forces for their role in developing the facility, which has served critical defence operations in the past and has now been opened for civilian use.

Recalling that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had unanimously passed a resolution in March 2023 seeking the renaming of the airport, the Chief Minister said honouring Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha would reaffirm Punjab’s unwavering respect for its Gurus and martyrs and inspire the youth to uphold the values of sacrifice and service to the nation.