Naujawan Bharat Sabha demands to convert Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s hideout into Museum
To hold protest on September 26 in front of DC office
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, August 30, 2024: The Naujawan Bharat Sabha has announced a sit-in protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ferozepur on September 26 to demand the removal of illegal encroachments from the historic hideout of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and his companions, in Turi Bazaar, which once served as the Punjab headquarters of the revolutionary party HSRA (Hindustan Socialist Republican Association). The organization is calling for the site to be preserved and converted into a museum and library.
Added here, the historical building, located in the heart of Ferozepur town, is in private possession but the government has done precious little for its upkeep. However, this hideout was declared a preserved monument in 2015 and is crying for attention. The ground floor and the first floor of the building were taken on rent by some private persons. They run a pharmacy on the ground floor and use the first floor as their residence. The building was used by Bhagat Singh and his friends -- Chander Sekhar Azad, Sukhdev, Shiv Verma, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Mahavir Singh and other freedom fighters—as their secret headquarters from August 10, 1928 to February 4, 1929. Bhagat Singh also got his hair trimmed here, to change his appearance.
Naujawan Bharat Sabha General Secretary Manga Azad and State Vice President Karamjit Manuke stated that the ongoing struggle to preserve the legacy of Bhagat Singh and his companions is a campaign to safeguard the martyrs' heritage.
Today, a delegation from the Naujawan Bharat Sabha State Committee met with the Deputy Commissioner of Ferozepur to present their demand to conserve the historic site and establish a museum and library.
Leaders emphasized that the effort to preserve the Turi Bazaar hideout as a historical heritage site will continue, and as part of this, the State Committee has decided to hold a sit-in protest outside the Ferozepur DC office on September 26. State Finance Secretary Nonihaal Singh Deep Singhwala and Davinder Chhabilpur mentioned that to prepare for the protest, mobilization efforts will include conducting rallies, street plays, and meetings in various villages across Punjab, engaging youth from different districts.
Present at the announcement were Surinder Singh Maare Kalan, Convenor of Naujawan Bharat Sabha Ferozepur District, Manga Singh Deep Singhwala, Duni Singh, Harjinder Singh Khokhar, President of Muktsar District Committee, Gurtej Singh Waring, and other leaders.