Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday inaugurated a series of events to kick off the Chauri Chaura centenary celebrations in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district. He also released a postage stamp via video link dedicated to the Chauri Chaura incident that took place on February 4, 1922.
The UP government has planned a year of celebrations in all 75 districts of the state in the memory of the martyrs. Addressing the inaugural function virtually, PM Modi said the martyrs of Chauri Chaura incident have not received their due respect in India’s history. Modi further termed it “unfortunate” that the martyrs of the historic incident have not been discussed as much as they should have been. “Although they have not been given significance in the pages of history, their blood is in the soil of the country and keeps inspiring us,” he added. He said the youth should write research papers and bring new facts to light about this incident.
A group of freedom fighters participating in the non-cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1922 were fired upon by police, leading to death of three civilians and 22 policemen. In retaliation, protestors attacked and set fire to the Chauri Chaura police station, killing many of its occupants. Gandhi had called off the movement due to the violence.
