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Martyrs remembered

Staff Reporter

Lok Sabha Speaker felicitates six freedom fighters

BHUBANESWAR: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Tuesday hailed freedom fighters of Orissa for the sacrifices they made to free the country from the clutches of the British.

Paying homage to eight martyrs of the State on occasion of celebration of `All-Orissa Martyrs' Memorial Burning Jyoti Sammilani', Mr. Chatterjee cited the example of `shaheed' Jayee Rajguru and recalled how he had led a heroic resistance and inspired the tribal movement. He also described the role of martyr Chandan Hajuri, popularly known as Chakhi Khuntia.

"Chakhi Khuntia was the advisor to Rani Laxmibai. He mobilised `sepoys' and organised the mutiny. However, he suffered at the hand of the British Army," the Speaker said.

"It was the sacrifice of those great martyrs which is enabling us to lead a respectable life," Mr. Chatterjee said.

The Speaker also referred to Baji Rout, probably the youngest freedom fighter of the country, and Veer Surendra Sai, who had put up resistance in the western part of the State.

Source of inspiration

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Rameshwar Thakur said the sacrifice made by the freedom fighters would inspire the younger generation to fight against corruption, communalism and superstition prevailing in society.

Earlier, a torch rally was taken out in memory of the martyrs.

The event was organised by Raghu-Dibakar Smruti Sansad. Later, the Speaker felicitated six freedom fighters on the occasion.

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