Jallianwala Bagh & Kuka Martyrs Declared as " Freedom Fighters "

As a result of efforts of Chandigarh based historian , Prof. M.S. Waraich and Punjab Govt., martyrs of Kuka Movement ( Namdhari Sikhs )of Malerkotla ( 1871) and Jallianwala Bagh ( 1919) have been officially declared by the Union Govenment of India as freedom fighters . This may qualify the heirs of these valiant patriots for state pension under the " Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme 1980 ."

While Jallianwala massacre of 1919 was the turning point in India's freedom struggle and is well known , 66 Kukas were blown by canons by the British in Malerkotla in 1871.

Surinder Singh Namdhari , Vice-Chairman of the Kuka Martyrs Memorial Trust welcomed the Central Govt's move .

According to Prof.Waraich the great and valiant martyrs of Kamagata Maru are still to be declared as freedom fighters.