Ambala, Nov. 6 -- Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated a memorial in Ambala Cantt built in honour of those who sacrificed their lives during the first war of independence in 1857. "The memorial, named "Azadi Ki Pehli Ladai Ka Shaheed Smarak", will become a source of inspiration for the youth in the days to come," Shah said.

Built over eight years on 22 acres at a cost of Rs.800 crore along the Delhi-Chandigarh national highway, the Smarak was the brainchild of cabinet minister and Ambala Cantonment MLA Anil Vij. Its foundation stone was laid when Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar was the Haryana chief minister.

After the inauguration, Shah addressed a public gathering at Gandhi Ground on Jagadhri Road. Haryana CM Nayab...