KATHMANDU, Jan 24: The Martyrs Week, during which the nation pays rich tributes to the known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of the country and the people and their freedom, commenced from Thursday. 

On the first day of the Martyrs Week, Martyr Shukraraj Shastri was remembered. Shastri was hanged on this very day 77 years ago at Pachali in Teku. The then Rana rulers hanged him on the charge of sedition. 
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City, in association with the government and various social organizations, has been commemorating the Martyrs Week since 1956. 

In this connection, a function was held at Pachali in Kathmandu this morning where the martyr Shukraraj Sashtri was hanged. 

Every year, Magh 16 in the Nepali calendar is marked as the National Martyrs’ Day, commemorating those who were executed by the autocratic Rana rulers for voicing for people’s rights and those who lost their lives in various movements launched for democracy and people’s sovereignty. 

KMC had installed a life-size statue of Sashtri at Pachali at the cost of Rs 1 million which was inaugurated today by Acting Prime Minister Ishwor Pokhrel. Flower garlands were offered to the statute. 

On the occasion, Acting Prime Minister Pokhrel and House of Representatives member Krishna Gopal Shrestha launched a short lyrical book named 'Ragat ko Tarpan Shahid lai' (Offerings of blood to the martyrs) penned by Bishnu Joshi. 

On the occasion, Acting PM Pokhrel said that the contributions made by the martyrs would always be remembered and their ideals imbibed. 

He said, "The political system has changed in the country. So are our responsibilities. All political parties should be untied for the country's development. Then only the dreams of martyrs would be fulfilled." 
Similarly, KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya argued that the 2007 BS's movement had succeeded due to sacrifices of some martyrs. He stressed on ushering our country to prosperity through economic and social transformation. 

Various commemorative programs would be organized throught the week at the places to pay tribute to four main martyrs where they attained martyrdom. 

Dharmabhakta Mathema attained martyrdom on January 27 at Sifal while Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasarath Chand on January 29 at Shobha Bhagawati. Similarly, on January 30, tributes would be paid to those known unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the betterment of their country. 

A condolence assembly would be organized at Martyrs Memorial at Lainchaur on Magh 16 which will be attended by the head of the government, ministers and high-ranking officials as well as by the chiefs of the security agencies. 

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