Martyrs Week kicks off

KATHMANDU, Jan 24: Martyrs Week celebrations kicked off today in memory of those martyrs who died during various political movements in the country.

In this connection, a program was held at the memorial of Sukraraj Shashtri at Pachali of Teku in Kathmandu where Shastri was executed by hanging from a tree during the then Rana regime for his fight for democracy.

Deputy mayor of Kathmandu, Sunita Dangol, offered a garland and laid wreaths on the statue of Shashtri on the occasion.

Dangol said that Shastri, who was interested in literature along with the political movement, had made unforgettable contributions to the liberty of people.

Recalling many people who had sacrificed their lives for political freedom from the Rana autocracy, she said many people attained martyrdom in political movements while striving for democracy.

Martyrs' Day is observed on the 16th of Magh every year in Nepal in commemoration of martyrs Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand and Ganga Lal Shestha who were executed by the Rana rulers on different dates in the month of Magh in 1997 BS for rebelling against the autocratic Rana oligarchy.

Various programs including memorial assemblies are organized weeklong to pay tributes to the freedom fighters.