We’ll declare martyrs of people’s war as national martyrs: PM Dahal

Published On: February 26, 2023 01:50 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Feb 26: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed his commitment to declare the ‘martyrs’ of the Maoist people’s war as national martyrs. In the interaction with the families of the ‘martyrs and missing warriors’ of the Maoist people’s war at the PM’s residence in Baluwatar today, he mentioned that preparations are being made to declare the martyrs who contributed uniquely to Nepal's political change with high honor as national martyrs.

PM Dahal said, "Today is also the memorial day of Martyr Dil Bahadur Ramtel, who made the first sacrifice during the people’s war. Martyrs of Jhapa Rebellion, People's Movement and people’s war since the revolution of 2007 are our national pride, they should be highly respected. Therefore, the current government is preparing to declare the martyrs of all movements, including the people's war, as national martyrs.”

Informing that the Bill on Truth and Reconciliation has reached its final stage, PM Dahal said that the rest of the peace process will be completed soon. He said, “Based on the principles of transitional justice, the Truth and Reconciliation Bill has been moved forward. The peace process will soon be completed. Honoring the martyrs of the people’s war, providing for their families and educating their children will be done by making laws. The bill is important for that.”

Advocate Ekraj Bhandari, on behalf of the families of the martyrs and missing people in the conflict, expressed happiness that the Prime Minister honored the families of the martyrs and missing people all over the country by celebrating the ‘people’s war day’ as a national day. The government had given a public holiday on February 13 in commemoration of the Maoist people’s war. CPN (Maoist Center) has prepared to celebrate Martyrs' Week by organizing various programs from today to March 5.

PM Dahal's chief advisor Haribol Gajurel, Maoist Center General Secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, Deputy General Secretary Shakti Bahadur Basnet, leader Hitraj Pandey and others participated in the program. The families of martyrs of the Maoist people's war drew the attention of PM Dahal saying that it is necessary to give them proper respect from the state.