Lok Sabha pays homage to freedom fighters on Quit India anniversary

New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to the liberation of the country from the British rule.

Making a brief statement as soon as the house began the day's proceedings, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan recalled the Quit India Movement launched on this day 74 years ago, which, she said, had proven to be a turning point in the country's freedom struggle.

The movement was launched at the call of Mahatma Gandhi when he urged nationwide mobilisation of people to reject the colonial rule, the Speaker said.

"This movement later helped India attain Swarajya," she said.

On the occasion, members also stood in silence for a while as a mark of respect for the freedom fighters.

The Quit India Movement, also called Bharat Chhodo Andolan, was a civil disobedience movement, launched on August 9, 1942, at the call of Mahatma Gandhi.