New Delhi, Feb 4,2021: Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday inaugurated the centenary observance of Chauri-Chaura incident at Gorakhpur of Uttar Pradesh via videoconferencing.
The incident took place on February 4, 1922 at Chauri-Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh in British India, when a large group of protesters participating in the non-cooperation movement, clashed with the police who opened fire. In retaliation the demonstrators attacked and set fire to a police station, killing all policemen inside. The non-cooperation movement was immediately called off by Mahatma Gandhi after the incident.
The Prime Minister said the sacrifice made at Chauri-Chaura, gave a new direction to the country’s freedom struggle. “Under what circumstances arson happened, what were the reasons are equally important,” he said.
Mr Modi lamented at the lack of discussion about the martyrs of Chauri-Chaura as the martyrs may not have figured prominently in the pages of history.
The Prime Minister said starting today, every village will remember the heroic sacrifices in the events going to be held throughout the year.
He released a postal stamp dedicated to the Chauri Chaura centenary event.
Mr Modi also recalled the efforts of Baba Raghavdas and Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya due to which around 150 freedom fighters were saved from hanging on this special day.
He said the Ministry of Education has invited young writers to write a book on freedom fighters to showcase unsung heroes of freedom struggle.
Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath were also present on the occasion.
