Dharwad pays tributes on Khilafat martyrs

Dharwad: Officials and citizens paid floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial here on Wednesday to mark Martyrs’ Day, observed in memory of three Khilafat volunteers shot dead in a police firing in 1921.Deputy commissioner Snehal R said the sacrifices of countless individuals had laid the foundation for a better society, and it was the responsibility of the present generation to preserve their legacy and pass on their message to future generations.Probationary IAS officer Anupriya Sakya, advocate Basavaprabhu Hosakeri, social activist Uday Yendigeri, Ravi Akalwadi, former corporator Vijaya Limbannadevarmath and members of various organisations were present.The observance marks the police firing of July 1, 1921, when Maliksab alias Mardansab, Goususab alias Khadersab and Abdul Gafar Chokathai were shot dead while picketing outside a liquor shop as part of the Non-Cooperation Movement.At the time, the movement against British rule had gathered momentum across the country, with Dharwad emerging as an active centre of the agitation. Picketing of liquor shops formed a key component of the campaign.

Earlier, six volunteers involved in similar protests had been arrested. Following this, hundreds assembled near Jakanibhavi on July 1, 1921, to continue the agitation.To disperse the gathering, the then British Collector of Dharwad, Painter, ordered police firing, leading to the deaths of the three protesters.In the years following the incident, the day was marked through protest meetings, fasting and public remembrance. Folk songs were also composed to honour the martyrs.A Martyrs’ Memorial was erected at the site during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of India’s Independence in 1972, and official tributes have been paid annually since.