Punjab to set up memorials for Kuka martyrs

Ludhiana, Aug 5 (UNI) The Punjab Government would set up memorials in the memory of all the Kuka martyrs of the freedom movement at their native villages in the state, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal announced today.

Mr Badal, after paying his gratitude to the Kuka martyrs, also announced the setting up of a community center at Pitho village in Bathinda district. This is the native village of three brave Kukas, who had sacrificed their lives during the Movement.

He also announced an immediate grant of Rs 10 lakh for setting up of this Community Center.

While addressing a large gathering, Mr Badal called on the Central Government to celebrate a national day at New Delhi in the memory of all the Punjabi martyrs, who had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their motherland. He further said that the nation could never forget the great deeds of the Kuka martyrs.

Speaking on the occasion, RSS President K Sudershan recalled the freedom struggle and the contribution of Sat Guru Ram Singh, the then head of the Namdhari sect. He said that being a great reformer of his time, Sat Guru Ram Singh used non-cooperation and boycotted the British Administration.

On this occasion, Mr Badal released a book by Mr Ajit Singh Namdhari titled ''Jange Azadi De Marg Darshak Sri Sat Guru Ram Singh Ji Atte Namdhari Sidhant,'' published by Punjab Government. He presented a copy of it to Sat Guru Jagjit Singh, the current head of the Namdhari sect.

A calendar, a poetry book authored by Bibi Ranjit Kaur and a book titled 'History of Kukas' authored by Professor Tara Singh Anjan were also released on the occasion.

Others, who spoke on the occasion included Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal and BJP MP Avinash Rai Khanna.

UNI