Page 41 - PSLgurmatbook62020

Singh became popular among the masses, especially the younger
generation, laborers and farmers.

Meanwhile, Chander Shekhar Azad, the other freedom fighter in

Bhagat Singh’s group was ambushed in Allahabad on 27 February
1931. The police surround the entire park leading to a shootout.

Refusing to be captured by the British, Azad committed suicide with

the last bullet in his pistol.

In Central Jail Lahore, Bhagat Singh and all of the other fellow
prisoners, including Sukhdev and Rajguru, went on a long hunger

strike to improve the conditions of Indian political prisoners.
Fearing the growing popularity of the hunger strike amongst the

people nationwide, Lord Irwin ordered the re-opening of the

Saunders' murder case, which led to death sentences for Bhagat
Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.

Gandhi was a big leader at that time. Indians hoped that Gandhi will

negotiate with Irwin to save Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru's
lives. Gandhi reluctantly agreed to sign a pact which included the

clause: "Release of political prisoners except for the ones involved in

violence”.

rd
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged in secrecy on 23
March 1931. Bhagat Singh is best remembered for his role in the

assassination of John Saunders, a British police officer.

He holds a significant position in the history of the Indian freedom

movement and his legend continues to inspire the young people of

India. He was given the title Shaheed-e-Azam and a Museum in his
name was opened on his 50th death anniversary at his ancestral

village, Khatkar Kalan. He was voted the "Greatest Indian" in a poll

by the Indian magazine ‘India Today’ in 2008, ahead of Bose and
Gandhi.

Sikh History and Gurmat Sikhia Book 6 2020 Edition Page 39