Defence minister AK Antony today said that the government will take up the issue of Captain Saurabh Kalia with Pakistan. He was talking to mediapersons after laying wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, in New Delhi this morning on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. He said the nation respects the sentiments of the Captain Kalia's family and that of the soldiers.

Mr Antony said India Gate is the right place to build a national war memorial. He said a Group of Ministers set up by Prime Minister and the three Services chiefs have agreed to set up the war memorial at the India Gate.

AIR correspondent reports, the armed forces have been demanding a war memorial in the national capital to honour soldiers who made supreme sacrifice for the country.
In reply to a query on the proposal to enhance pensions of ex-servicemen, Mr Antony said the orders in this regard would be issued by next month which would enhance their pension by 2,300 crore rupees.

Earlier, Mr Antony along with the Chiefs of three Services paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan. AIR correspondent reports that several functions are also organized in other parts of the country to mark the day.