NGOs demand martyr status to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Azad

New Delhi, January 20

A group of NGOs under the banner of National Akali Dal today held a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament Street demanding martyr status for freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad, among others.

Led by president Paramjeet Singh Pamma, the protest was joined by Punjabi pop singer Ashu Punjabi, international star Pankaj Jaswani and RJ Kaur.

Protestors said MPs, MLAs etc. receive various benefits from the government, but unfortunately families of the freedom fighters have not been given any support or benefits over the years.

Pamma stated that it is unfortunate and shameful that even after 72 years of freedom, the country still has not acknowledged the real heroes who got the freedom as martyrs.

“Over the years, many governments have come and gone but the state of affairs, unfortunately, continues to remain the same. It is our duty as Indians to always remember these supreme sacrifices, and the government must declare martyrdom for all such freedom fighters,” he said.

Joining him, his colleague Rakesh Yadav said that the government routinely acknowledges the birthdays and death anniversaries of our national heroes but shies away when it comes to providing any assistance to their families while Daljeet Singh Chaggar, demanded that the government should accord "Son of the Nation" status to Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Shri Sanaatan Dharam Sabha head Manohar Lal Kumar also supported the cause.

Representatives from several organisations, like Shaheed Bhagat Singh Social Wefare Society, Baba Budha Saheb Langar Sewa Society, Freedom Fighter Sardar Amar Singh Sabharwal Memorial Foundation and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Association joined the demonstration. — TNS