Freedom fighter Gurang dies at 98

Dharamsala, January 23

Charan Singh Gurang, who was among the two surviving freedom fighters in Kangra, passed away on Saturday. He was cremated with state honours here today. BJP MLA from Dharamsala, Vishal Nehria, and district administration officials paid last respects to the revolutionary.

Gurang (98) was part of the Azad Hind Army of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He was living in Khaniara area of Dharamsala city.

Gurang, in a recent interview with The Tribune, had expressed satisfaction with the facilities given to him by the government. He had said that he was proud of being a part of the Indian freedom struggle.

Charan Singh Gurang had first joined the British army. After Netaji Subhas Chander Bose announced the formation of Azad Hind Army to fight the British in 1942, he joined Netaji’s force. He was arrested by the British after World War II and was kept in jail for eight months. After his release, he came home but continued taking part in the freedom movements in the area.

After independence, Gurang joined the Army. He retired as Subedar head clerk in 1975. Post retirement, he came to Khaniara and continued farming on his ancestral land here. He was involved in social activities and also held the post of vice-president of Gorkha association of Dharamsala. —