PM Modi pays tribute to Netaji; will declassify 100 secret files

PM Modi said is a very special day for all Indians as declassification of files pertaining to Netaji begins

As nation pays tribute to freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 119th birth anniversary today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it is a very special day as declassification of files pertaining to Netaji begins.

"Today is a special day for all Indians. Declassification of Netaji files starts today. Will go to National Archives myself for the same," Prime Minister Modi said in tweet.

Paying tribute to the freedom fighter, Modi also said generations of Indians remember Netaji for his bravery and patriotism. 

"Remembering Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. His bravery and patriotism endears him to several Indians across generations," he tweeted. 

Prime Minister Modi will release digital copies of 100 files related to Netaji Bose following government's decision to declassify files on the freedom fighter.

The files, digitised and given preliminary conservation treatment by the National Archives of India, will be released on the birth anniversary of Netaji.

In 1997 the National Archives had received 990 declassified files pertaining to the Indian National Army from Defence Ministry.

In 2012, it received 1030 files and items pertaining to Khosla Commission and Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry from Home Ministry.

All these files and items are already open to the public under the Public Records Rules, 1997.

The Prime Minister also put out a proclamation issued by Netaji in 1944 asking Indians to fulfil their 'duty' in liberating India. 

Paying tributes to Netaji, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "I bow to 'Netaji' Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary today. He is one of the greatest heroes of India's freedom struggle." 

BJP President Amit Shah also remembered Netaji on his anniversary, saying, "My tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who inspired innumerable youth with his bravery, courage and patriotism.