In a significant development for historical preservation in Punjab, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) is finally taking decisive action to grant proper access to the ancestral home of revolutionary martyr Sukhdev Thapar. After enduring ten long years of bureaucratic delays, missed Independence and Republic Day commemorations, and even facing the threat of a hunger strike, authorities have scheduled a crucial acquisition drive for January 25 at 11 AM.
A Decade of Neglect Comes to an End
The focal point of this long-pending issue is a key property that blocks the path from the historical Chaura Bazaar to Sukhdev Thapar's ancestral home in Naughara Mohalla. Despite the home's immense historical significance from the British Raj era, it has remained largely hidden within the congested, winding lanes of Ludhiana's old city. This lack of direct access has created substantial barriers for visitors and tourists wishing to pay their respects to the freedom fighter.
Ashok Thapar, national chairman of the Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Memorial Trust, expressed both relief and frustration at the delayed resolution. "Many Republic and Independence Days have passed while we pleaded with authorities to open this path," he stated. "People find it too difficult to locate the house. We want the next generation to connect with our history, but that is impossible if they cannot find the site."
The Legal Breakthrough
The additional MC commissioner's office has finalized the acquisition process after years of bureaucratic hurdles. Official correspondence reveals that property owner Prem Chand Bansal has been formally ordered to remove all movable items and be present for the handover. Authorities have confirmed that the property was acquired for legitimate public purposes, with the compensation award already finalized through proper legal channels.
To ensure a smooth transition, the deputy commissioner has been requested to deploy both a duty magistrate and adequate police force during the acquisition process. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential incidents during what could be a sensitive operation.
Averting Protest Action
The timing of this action is particularly significant as it comes just in time to avert planned protest measures. Trust members had prepared to begin a hunger strike following January 26 if the city administration failed to take concrete action on this longstanding issue. The imminent acquisition has therefore prevented what could have become a major public demonstration.
The subdivisional magistrate (SDM) of East, serving as the land acquisition officer, has instructed local revenue officials including the kanungo and patwari to be present on-site. Their responsibility will be to meticulously record all proceedings in the official daily report, ensuring proper documentation of this historical moment.
Pathway to Historical Recognition
Once the property is formally handed over to designated MC officials Kapil Dev and Harminder Singh, the city can finally begin the work of creating a direct corridor for public access. This development represents more than just urban planning—it symbolizes the restoration of dignity to a site of national importance that has suffered from bureaucratic neglect for far too long.
The ancestral home of Sukhdev Thapar, who was executed alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru in 1931, holds profound significance in India's freedom struggle narrative. The creation of proper access will not only honor his memory but also make this important historical site accessible to future generations who wish to connect with India's revolutionary past.
