‘Why honour martyrs only in August?’
Heroes of the independence struggle deserve more, say Ashfaqullah Khan’s kin
LUCKNOW: Come August and it’s time to remember freedom fighters, soak in the patriotic fervour and pay homage to martyrs.
But the residents of a small village, Ashfaq Nagar in Shahjahanpur district, ask: Why only August?
These people hail from the village of legendary freedom fighter Ashfaqullah Khan.
All set to celebrate Independence Day like the rest of the country, they, and especially Khan’s family, assert that our freedom fighters deserve to be honoured throughout the year.
“It’s strange to see those in power wake up only on some special occasions. The rest of the time they are in deep slumber. It clearly shows how much respect they have for those who laid down their lives for the country,” said Shahdabullah, Ashfaqullah Khan’s grandson.
The freedom fighter, also an Urdu poet, was hanged on December 1927 along with Ram Prasad Bismil and others for their involvement in the Kakori case.
Shahdabullah, who has just completed graduation, believes that the sacrifice went in vain. “Barring August 15 and his death anniversary, nobody has the time to remember him,” he said, pointing out the government apathy in the matter.
His brother, Ashfaqullah, who was named after the celebrated freedom fighter, said that even after 90 years the family had got nothing except for assurances.
“Recently, senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh visited Ashfaqullah Khan’s grave and assured us of government support. But it has been almost six months and nothing has happened,” he said.
“After Ashfaqullah Khan was executed, the British government confiscated all the property and
Recently, senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh visited Ashfaqullah Khan’s grave and assured us of government support. But it has been almost six months and nothing has happened SHAHDABULLAH, Ashfaqullah Khan’s grandson
left our family to die. But since our grandmother came from a well-off background, we managed to survive,” said Shahdabullah.
He added that initially the government said it would construct the martyr’s grave, but it turned out to be a hollow promise.
“It was the family that prepared his grave. There was no support from the government.”
After Shahdabullah’s father died in 1981, the freedom fighter’s pension that he was receiving was also stopped.
“At that time my father was drawing ₹100 as pension. The government didn’t transfer it to my mother’s name. It’s not a matter of money, but of pride -- to receive the pension entitled to a freedom fighter. We’ve been waiting for over 36 years now. The pension transfer is still awaited,” he said.
On the 70th Independence Day, Shahdabullah demanded beautification of Ashfaqullah Khan’s grave that has been lying neglected in Shahjahanpur.