Kathmandu, January 30

Shahid Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) was observed across the country today by paying heartfelt tributes to all known and unknown martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and the people.

Shahid Diwas is observed every year on Magh 16, which is dedicated to four martyrs — Sukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dashrath Chand, and Ganga Lal Shrestha — who were executed in 1941 for raising their voice against the autocratic Rana regime. They were charged with fomenting violence and turning the youth against the Rana rule.

Martyrs’ Week (January 24-30) is specially observed in memory of the four martyrs.

They are best remembered for fighting to bring freedom to Nepali people from the tyrannical Rana regime. Their peaceful movement ultimately ended the family rule and established democracy.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited the Martyrs’ Memorial Park in Lainchaur and laid a wreath to pay tributes to the martyrs.

Likewise, a contingent of the Nepali Army paid a guard of honour. Ministers, Chief Secretary Somlal Subedi, Chief of Army Staff General Rajendra Chhetri, Inspector General of Police Upendra Kant Aryal, acting chief of Armed Police Force Furja Kumar Rai, high-level government officials, leaders of political parties, security personnel and general public, among others, were present at the memorial to mark the day.

In a message, President Bidhya Devi appealed to all to not forget the sacrifices made by the martyrs.

“The achievements that we have made were possible due to the sacrifice of the martyrs and it is a time to maintain stability, peace and development by institutionalising these achievements,” she said in the message.

Similarly, Prime Minister Oli said in his message said, “I highly regard the sacrifice of the martyrs. I wish this day would inspire us to work honestly for the country, democracy and the people.” He also urged all agitating parties to come to a negotiating table to find a way-out to the ongoing crisis and give the people a sigh of relief in such time of instability.