Bhaini Sahib (Samrala), October 15
Conceding to the demand of the Namdhari Darbar, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that the government would take steps to restore the properties of the 66 Kuka martyrs to their families. The British had forfeited the Kuka properties for the community’s role in the freedom struggle.

Sixtysix Kukas, including a child, agitating against cow slaughter were blown apart by canons in January 1872 at Malerkotla by the British in what is often described as one of the most shocking acts of imperialism.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony of a religious function organised by the Namdhari sect under Satguru Jagjit Singh, Badal appealed to the people to respect the families of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

The Chief Minister said that the government would first identify all forfeited properties in the state that belonged to the Kuka families. After verification, the government would take restorative steps, he said. In cases where the forfeited properties could not be restored, the state would extend financial help to the Kuka families, the CM added.

Badal also demanded that the Centre issue a notification for the election for the post of SGPC president without further delay.