Ashfaqulla Khan, freedom fighter neglected on his 117th birth anniversary

Ashfaqulla Khan, freedom fighter in the Indian Independence remained neglected even on his 117th birth anniversary.

It may be mentioned that he had played a key role in the independence movement. He was hanged for his role in Kakori train conspiracy against British Raj. Along with him, Ram Prasad Bismil was also hanged.

Ashfaqulla Khan who was the member of Hindustan Republican Association was born on 22nd October 1900 in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur District. He was the youngest child of Shafiqur Rahman and Mazharunissa.

In 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi launched Non-Cooperation Movement, he decided to become a freedom fighter. During the movement, he met Ram Prasad Bismil and they became good friends.

After the withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement due to Chauri Chaura incident, many youths of India including Ashfaqulla were depressed. He decided to join extremists for the freedom of India.

Later, he was declared terrorist by British Government for his involvement in Kakori Train Robbery. This conspiracy also exhibited in Bollywood film ‘Rang De Basanti’.

On 19th December 1927, Ashfaqulla Khan along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri and Roshan Singh was hanged till death.

Despite major role and sacrifice for the freedom of India, Ashfaqualla Khan was neglected even on his birth anniversary.