PM Dahal pledges to recognise People’s War victims as national martyrs

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the government would declare those who sacrificed their lives for ‘the cause of People’s War’ as the national martyrs.

During his interaction with the families of those killed and disappeared during the People’s War at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar today, he said preparations were going on to  officially recognise  those who had their ‘significant’ contribution to make a big political change happen in the nation.

“Today marks the memorial day of Dil Bahadur Ramtel, the first person who sacrificed his life for the cause of people’s war. The people who lost their lives to the 1951 movement to the Jhapa rebellion to the People’s War are our national pride and they deserve a huge reverence. So, the incumbent government is preparing all those who were killed for their belief, support and contribution to all the movements for political changes as national martyrs,” the Prime Minister said.

The Bill regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has neared the final phase, according to the Head-of-the-Government who assured that remaining works of the peace process would complete soon.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Bill is being taken ahead on the basis of the principles of transitional justice,” he said, adding that the document would be taken to a conclusion very soon.  He went on to say that the document was significant in terms of the recognition of ‘martyrs’ of people’s war, for the rights and education of their off-spring.

On the occasion, advocate Ekraj Bhandari, on behalf of the affected families, expressed happiness over the government’s recent decision to observe Fagun 1 in the Nepali calendar as the “People’s War  Day”.   It may be noted that the government had decided to observe Fagun 1 as the “People’s War Day” and announced a public holiday. The Day was marked on February 23 this year.

Meanwhile, the major ruling CPN (Maoist Centre) prepares to observe the “Martyrs Week” beginning on March 5.

Prime Minister’s chief advisor Haribol Gajurel, Maoist Centre’s general secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, deputy general secretary Shakti Bahadur Basnet and leader Hitraj Pandey were among those present on the occasion.  The affected families drew the Prime Minister’s attention towards the State’s proper recognition for them.