Develop Bhagat Singh’s hideout, demand students

FEROZEPUR: Hundreds of college students under the banner of the Punjab Students Union (PSU) on Wednesday assembled in front of the District Administrative Complex to mark their protest against the “failure” of the state government to initiate any step for the development of the hideout of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

The members of Punjab Students Union stage a protest in front of the District Administrative Complex on Wednesday. Tribune photo

Tribune Reporters

Ferozepur, March 28

Hundreds of college students under the banner of the Punjab Students Union (PSU) on Wednesday assembled in front of the District Administrative Complex to mark their protest against the “failure” of the state government to initiate any step for the development of the hideout of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

After a prolonged battle over seven decades followed by a PIL filed in the High Court by Advocate HC Arora, the tourism and cultural affairs department had finally declared this building as a protected monument on December 17, 2015, under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.

However, no steps have been initiated till date to take over the building nor have any funds been allocated by the state government for the purpose notwithstanding umpteen protests juxtaposed with contempt petition filed by Arora in the High Court.

Few months ago, Local Bodies Minister Navjot Sidhu had promised to provide Rs 15 lakh for the renovation of this building, but the funds are still waited.

Muktsar: A large number of students under the banner of the Punjab Students’ Union (PSU) on Wednesday took out a protest march in the town and also gheraoed the DAC regarding their various demands, including full fee waiver of girls, free education to students belonging to poor families and historic status for hideout of Bhagat Singh in Ferozepur.

Students gherao fazilka DC office

Fazilka: Activists of the Punjab Students Union staged a dharna in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner here on Wednesday to protest against the non-fulfilment of their demands. They also took out a procession from Government MR College to the DC office. The students are demanding introduction of post-graduation classes in the Government College, filling of vacant posts of lecturer and principal. They are also demanding setting up of a museum and library at the building in which freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his comrades used to hide at Turi Bazaar, Ferozepur. OC