Kathmandu, January 30

Martyrs’ Day was marked across the country today by organising various programmes.

Magh 16 in the Nepali calendar is marked as the National Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the four Martyrs who were executed by the autocratic Rana rulers, and all known and unknown persons who lost their lives in various democratic movements.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli paid homage to the martyrs at a programme organised at  Martyrs’ Memorial Park, Lainchaur. Speaking at the programme, PM Oli said since the country had transformed into a federal democratic republic, no one would have to lose their lives fighting for their rights now.

PM Oli said, “Earlier, the state made people fight against the army and police. Now the scenario has changed and no one will have to sacrifice his/her life fighting for rights.”  He also urged everyone to work hard to make the country prosperous. “Nature has made the country rich, we people must not make it poor,”   he said and urged everyone to discourage corruption.

Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya said, “We must carry out our duties with honesty, keeping in mind the sacrifices made by the great martyrs.” He also said that constant criticism of elected leaders had diminished the efficiency of local levels.

A contingent of the Nepali Army offered a guard of honour to the martyrs.

Earlier today, Kathmandu Metropolitan City had taken out a rally from Ratna Park to Lainchaur. The rally was attended by distinguished personalities, including Minister of Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa, Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration Lal Babu Pandit and civilians.

Shukraraj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha are the four martyrs who sacrificed their lives to free the country from the tyranny of Rana rulers.

The then prime minister Judddha Sumsher had announced death penalty for the four martyrs on January 19, 1941. Four days later, martyr Sukraraj was hanged from a tree at Teku. Dharma Bhakta was hanged at Sigal height after seven days. Similarly, Gangalal Shrestha and Dashrath Chand were shot dead on the banks of the Bishnumati River at Sobhabhagwati nine days after the death penalty was announced.