Kathmandu, Jan. 24 (RSS): A weeklong programme organised in course of celebrating the Martyrs Day in memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives for establishment of democracy in the country began throughout the Kingdom today.

The programme is organised every year for seven days in memory of and in order to pay glowing tributes to martyrs Gangalal Shrestha, Shukraraj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema and Dasarath Chand, and various other known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives for establishing democracy and freeing the people from the autocratic Rana regime.

Sukraraj Shastri who was kept under house arrest because he met Mahatma Gandhi in India and talked about Nepal objected the arrest and came to the streets to give a speech. He was then accused of treason and hanged in a tree at Teku, Panchali on Magha 10, 1997 B.S.

Physical trainer of his late Majesty King Tribhuvan Dharmabhakta Mathema was also hanged in a tree at Siphal on Magh 13 the same year because he had helped to establish the Nepal Praja Parishad against the Rana Regime.

Likewise, Dasarath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha were shot dead at Shobabhagawati on Magh 15. 1997 B.S.

Mr. Chand was charged of offense against the throne while Mr. Shrestha, a student at Tri-Chandra College was accused of  speaking against the Rana regime and being involved in activities of Nepal Praja Parishad.

His Majesty’s Government has following the Popular Movement of 1990 declared Martyrs Day a public holiday. Prior to this, the day was a half-holiday.

On the occasion of the first day of the martyrs week today, the martyrs week main function committee organised a condolence function at Pachali of Teku where martyr Sukraraj Shastri attained martyrdom.