KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the seeds of democratic rights were sown by the martyrs of 1997 BS.

Taking to social media to extend message of best wishes on the occasion of the Martyrs Day today, he reiterated that the martyrs had planted the seeds of movements to establish democratic rights during the reign of autocratic and oligarchy.

Recalling the moment when Rana regime had executed martyrs Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha, Oli asserted that the cooperation of the communists and the democrats (Congress) had significantly contributed in ending the despotic Rana rule.

“The seed of movements to establish democratic rights during autocratic oligarchy regime is the result of the joint movement waged by the communists and the democrats. The democratic rights that the society is enjoying today is planted by the martyrs’ sacrifices,” he acknowledged.

Pledging to never forget the sacrifices of the martyrs, the septuagenarian leader reaffirmed his commitment to always stand firm in safeguarding national independence and democracy.

The Martyr Day is being observed nationwide today by remembering the struggles and devotion of the martyrs Shastri, Mathema, Chand and Shrestha as well as the contributions of other martyrs to establishment of democracy in the country.