Martyrs’ Day being observed; Prez, PM remember known and unknown martyrs

The Martyrs' Day is being observed throughout the country on Tuesday by remembering all known and unknown individuals who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country.

Various programmes are being organised across the country today to commemorate the four most important martyrs of Nepali history – Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha – who gave up their lives to free the country from the tyranny of Rana autocracy.

Concurrently, a martyrs’ week is also being organised from Magh 10-16 as per the Nepali calendar. During the week, Shukraraj Shastri is commemorated on January 24, Dharma Bhakta Mathema on January 27, Dasharath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha on January 29 and all other known and unknown martyrs on January 30.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is set to take out a rally from Shantibatika to the Martyrs’ Memorial Park in Lainchaur. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Chief justice and ministers are expected to pay emotional tribute to the martyrs by garlanding their statues amid a function organised at the park.

Meanwhile, President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and top leaders of different political parties have expressed heartfelt condolence to both known and unknown martyrs for sacrificing their invaluable lives for the bright future of the country and the people.

On the occasion of the Martyrs´ Day, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav has said that all Nepalis have wished for economic prosperity and social development by establishing political stability drafting the new constitution by forgetting the minor disputes, according to state-run news agency RSS.

In a message today, President Dr Yadav said, "Taking the country to the path of drafting a democratic constitution by forming the Constituent Assembly through a free and fair election based on political consensus would be the due respects to the martyrs."

"It is necessary for all of us to follow the path shown by our brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of democracy with a dream of the building an economically prosperous and just society," the President said.

For this, completing the task of writing a new constitution was inevitable for institutionalizing the federal democratic republic in the country, the President said.

In a similar message, Vice President Parmanand Jha drew the attention of one and all towards materializing the dream of the martyrs. Through the message, he has also paid his respects to all known and unknown martyrs.

Likewise, Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has extended a message to all the people on the occasion of the Martyrs´ Day and paid tributes to all known and unknown people who attained martyrdom for the welfare of the nation and the people.

"Let the historic day inspire us all to move ahead for establishing peace, developing the nation and making a prosperous future by cooperating with all," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said the contribution of martyrs was incredible in favour of people and country´s chances.

Saying that the contributions of the martyrs for country´s independence was long-lasting due to their sacrifices by standing against the Rana oligarchy, the Prime Minister said the current government was effortful to translate the dreams of the martyrs into reality by giving due respect to their contributions.

Similarly, the Nepali Congress President has also expressed heartfelt condolence to the known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the country and the people from 1997 B.S to 2063 B.S.

Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala has said that all should forget the minor disputes for safeguarding the democracy and translate the martyrs´ dream into reality. nepalnews.com