Sudan’s Rumbek state marks 5th Martyrs day
August 1, 2010 (RUMBEK) — This week, Sudan’s Lakes State joined other Southern states in mark the 5th anniversary of what has been termed as Martyrs’ Day.
The Lakes state government and the public had a mammoth crowd gathered at Rumbek Freedom Square to commemorate many known and unknown South Sudanese soldiers who lost their lives during the North-South civil war.
Addressing the gathering in Rumbek freedom square, Governor, Chol Tong said the day “is recalling our martyrs who contributed to the struggle for freedom in Southern Sudan”.
He said that the day is not only reserved to SPLM/SPLA fallen heroes and heroines but also many other soldiers who died in the struggle.
The Governor listed names like SPLM late leader John Garang, comrade Yusuf Kuwa Mekki, Martin Makur Aleyou, and one woman heroines from Lake state, Ager Gum in addition to more other young freedom fighters. He pointed out that the freedom being enjoyed today by Southerners and marginalized people in Sudan “are a result of bloodshed by natives of this land”.
Chol also reminded the Lakes state natives to keep a memory of all fallen heroes and heroines, together with the wounded, widows and orphans for what he described as “their immense contribution to our freedom”.
He called upon South Sudanese leaders to show commitment to the principles and objectives of SPLM/A for which the martyrs shed their blood.
“We are going to fulfil our national journey towards the referendum which target is our aim of New Sudan independent state,” he said. He added that there is a need for self-examination because Southerners will choose between being first class citizens or remaining second class citizens.
In written speech of three pages obtained by Sudan Tribune, the governor noted that “in this historical day, I would like to remind youth of Lakes state that this SPLM led government is there to fulfil its commitments to provide good education at all levels, job creation and promotion of culture and sport.”
“Your government, which is the SPLM government you elected, has a lot of complex promises with people of Lakes state to provide security and basic services and to avoid discrimination within our society,” he stated.
Furthermore, Governor recalled Zakaria Chol Gideon Gakmar who passed away on Thursday of diabetes, saying he is also among the heroes.
Other dignitaries present at the celebration to mark Martyrs days included Lakes state legislative assembly lawmakers plus UN organizations and other non-Governmental Organizations.
(ST)
Dinka Boy
Sudan’s Rumbek state marks 5th Martyrs day
Thanks Governor Chol Tong for your brilliant speech.
The Martyrs day that we need to honor our heros and heroines who fall during the cause of our struggle.
We missed Dr Garang and the most respected leaders you names plus the rest that we still remembered in our whole heart.
Let give special respect to our disabled and dead because they bravely liberate the South from Arab. They did the part. Thank mr governor.
The dead and wounded from:
1. Khoryom Battalions( Agerep, Bilfam, Raad, Lion, Zindie, cobra, Haydit(Adiit),Jamus, Tiger,Aguila, Elephant, Rhino, and more,
2. Muormuor Battalions( Nil, Eagle/Kuei, Neraan, Gol, Shark, Tuek Tuek, Kadhuk, Zalzal1 &2, Bechir, and many more,
3. Endfathers/entifather battalions( Adunguek,Tagiik, Muktar, Garangdit, Nyanchigak, Dengnhial, Nasir,Mijil, and many more,
4. Red Army battalions( Terap, Amel,Chabat, Kamach, Challanger, and more
May God rest their Soul in the highest the missing and the disable in the battalions that i name plus some that i did not name. SPLM/A oyeee, Dr Garang Oyeee, long live SPLM/A and Long live South Sudan.
We suffered for the caused of our freedom and the one dignity for the generation to come. Amen!