Kathmandu, Jan. 29 : The final day of the martyrs week is being celebrated by organizing a variety of special programmes in memory of the martyrs, who laid down their lives for the cause of democracy, in various parts of the country today.

Martyrs week is observed every year from Magh 10 to 16 by paying rich tributes to known and unknown martyrs including Ganga Lal, Shukra Raj, Dharmabhakta and Dasharath Chand, who sacrificed themselves for liberating the Nepelese people and the country from the injustice and tyranny of the autocratic Rana regime.

Shukraraj Shastri, who was under house arrest for meeting Mahatma Gandhi in India and talking with him about Nepal’s situation, was hanged from a “Khari” tree at Pachali, Teku on Magh 10, 1997 charging him with treason, while Dharmabhakta, who was also physical exercise teacher of His Majesty the late King Tribhuvan was hanged from a “Bakaina” tree at Siphal on Magh 13 the same year for helping in the establishment of “Praja Parishad” at his own house.

Likewise, Dasharath Chand and Ganga Lal were also framed up and shot dead at Shobhabhagvati on Magh 15.

A function will be organised at the Shahid Gate at Tundikhel to pay tributes to known and unknown martyrs. Today is a public holiday throughout the country.