HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

Rich tributes paid to martyrs
Koirala, Bhattarai recall sacrifices of martyrs for democratic innovation

Kathmandu, Sept. 29 (RSS): Former prime minister and Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala paid honours to four martyrs Lilanath Dahal, Thagiraj Dahal, Gokarna Karki and Khagendra Dahal who laid down their lives in course of democratic movements.

The then government had arrested these freedom fighters, residents of Okhaldhunga, on the same day on the charge of possessing bombs in course of the democratic movement in 1974. They were shot to death under the pretext of jail transfer.

Koirala, on the occasion, honoured Yashoda Dahal, wife of Lila Nath Dahal, Parvati Dahal, wife of Thagiraj Dahal, Prithvi Bahadur Karki, father of Gokarna Karki and Phanindra Dahal, younger brother of Khagendra Dahal by presenting letters of honour and by wrapping shawls around them.

Stating that nobody can wipe out the history of Okhaldhunga which has given birth to such martyrs, Koirala said Okhaldhunga has played a great role both in the restoration as well as protection of democracy in the country.

Noting that plans of those who are restless to subvert democracy will never be successful, the NC president observed that as the present constitution is a result of people’s struggles and sacrifices and every letter of it reflects their feelings, the Congress Party under no circumstances will compromise with the Maoists on the irreversible provisions in the constitution.

At a time when attempts are being made to finish off the very identity of Nepal, the time has come for the Congress Party to come up with clear perspectives, said the NC chief adding, it is necessary for all democrats who fought for restoration of democracy in the country to come together for safeguarding democracy.

Stating that the Nepali Congress since its very inception has taken stance in favour of constitutional Monarchy, Koirala made it clear that his party will never accept a republic.

MP Gopal Rai, from the chair, said because of the growing Maoist activity in Okhaldhunga district, people are afraid of going back to their villages even on the occasion of Dashain.

MP Bal Bahadur Rai observed that honouring martyrs’ families is just like honouring martyrs.

Various other speakers including MP Homnath Dahal, families of the martyrs and member-secretary of the Social Welfare Council Dr Tika Pokhrel also spoke at the function.

The programme was organised by the Okhaldhunga Hatemalo Samaj.

Meanwhile, ex-prime minister and NC leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has alerted all against the conspiracy of some elements which are out to finish off democracy and the Nepali Congress.

NC leader Bhattarai was speaking at a colloquium on "The sacrifices of martyrs and the present political situation" organised by the Martyrs Memorial Foundation in commemoration of the day (Asoj, 2031) when Lilanath Dahal, Thagirah Dahal, Khagendra Dahal and Gokarna Karki attained martyrdom in course of the struggle for restoration of democracy.

He said that as multi-party democratic system is the best of the ruling systems in the world efforts should be made to make people feel positive change in their lives and society.

He also stressed the need to conduct research in the lives and works of the four martyrs who were murdered by the despotic Rana rulers.

Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Gopalman Shrestha said as the present democratic set up has paved the way for all to come to power by winning the trust of the people, the Maoists should direct their effort towards coming to power through election.

NC central member Narahari Acharya shed light on the difference between terrorism and revolution and described the movement currently launched by the Maoists by trampling the sentiments of the people as a form of violent activity.

From the chair, foundation president and ex-minister Dhundiraj Shastri stressed the need for the Nepali Congress to translate its principles of democratic socialism into practice so as to provide relief to the people.

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