Lahore, Pakistan – In a controversial decision that has sparked significant outrage among supporters of the revolutionary figure, the Lahore district administration has rejected a proposal to rename Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh, a prominent freedom fighter in the Indian independence movement. The proposal, put forth by the Bhagat Singh Foundation, also included plans to erect a statue in his honor at the site. The district administration's decision came after the formation of a committee led by retired army officer Tariq Majeed, which recently submitted a report to the Lahore High Court. The committee's findings have ignited tensions, as they controversially labeled Bhagat Singh as a "terrorist" rather than a revolutionary.
According to the report, Bhagat Singh's actions, which included the killing of a British police officer, resulted in his execution alongside two accomplices, thus disqualifying him from being honored as a national hero. "The individuals seeking to honor Bhagat Singh are misinterpreting his legacy," Majeed stated in the report. "He was not a revolutionary; he was a criminal whose actions cannot be celebrated in our society." The report further alleged that the Bhagat Singh Foundation, which identifies itself as a Muslim organization, is working against Islamic values and Pakistani culture, recommending that it be banned. The rejection of the proposal has ignited protests among members of the Bhagat Singh Foundation and his supporters, who argue that Bhagat Singh's fight against colonial oppression should be acknowledged and honored.
Qureshi, a spokesperson for the foundation, expressed their discontent, stating, "We will take legal action against Tariq Majeed for his defamatory remarks. Bhagat Singh is a symbol of resistance against tyranny, and we condemn these allegations." The debate over Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to divide opinions within Pakistan, as many view him as a martyr who fought bravely for independence, while others echo the sentiments of the district administration’s report. As tensions rise, the Bhagat Singh Foundation vows to press forward with their mission to commemorate the revolutionary figure, seeking justice through legal channels. The community remains on edge, with calls for a dialogue on historical narratives and the values they should embody in contemporary society.