BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Jan. 29: Tributes were paid to martyrs Gangalal Shrestha and Dashrath Chand on Tuesday.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) organised a memorial assembly at Shova Bhagawati, the site where Shrestha and Chand attained martyrdom.
During the event organised by the Martyr's Week Organising Committee, KMC Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasised the importance of passing on the story of the martyrs' contributions to future generations. She said, "To protect the rights gained from the sacrifices of the martyrs, it is essential to be good citizens."
Ishwor Man Dangol, Chairman of Ward No. 15, said that the sacrifice of the martyrs for developing a democratic system in the country is inspiring for the new generation. He said the martyrs’ dreams would be fulfilled only if the people were made happy and prosperous.
Rojina Shrestha, Chairperson of No. 16, expressed that the martyrs' souls would find peace if the country was governed according to the democratic system and by institutionalising civic rights.
Dashrath Chand was known for his kind yet daring nature. He was the one who proposed the name ‘Nepal Praja Parishad. Gangalal Shrestha was also influenced by Chand's political activities.
Dashrath Chand and Gangalal Shrestha were executed at the Shova Bhagawati area on the banks of the Bishnumati River on January 28, 1941, for their roles in opposing autocratic rule and inciting the public for democracy.
Meanwhile, a tribute was paid to Nepal’s first democratic martyr, Durganand Jha, at his memorial gate in Jatahi of Dhanusha district on Tuesday. Political party leaders including former provincial Minister Ram Saroj Yadav, MP Kunwar Kant Jha, former MP Smriti Narayan Chaudhary and Yogendra Panjiyar, local representatives, social workers, women leaders and youth were present on the occasion, according to our Janakpurdham correspondent. They acknowledged Jha's contributions and described his sacrifice for the establishment of democracy as historic.
Durganand Jha, a fighter in Nepal's democratic movement against the Panchayat system, was declared a martyr on March 2, 2016. He was arrested by the Panchyat government for attacking the car carrying King Mahendra on January 22, 1962.