The Albanian hero Oso Kuka, who sacrificed himself inside his tower in Vranjina in order not to fall into the hands of the forces of Montenegro in defense of the Albanian borders in 1861, has been declared by the Albanian government " Martyr of the Fatherland ".
This status, given by the Ministry of Defense , was handed over to the relatives of Oso Kuka in an official ceremony in Shkodër at the museum that bears his name.
Gjergj Velo, head of the Martyrs of the Fatherland organization, says that there is indifference from the institutions towards the martyrs.
Shaqir Vukaj, former senior manager, says that there are hundreds of other names who have given their lives for the country, but the Albanian state has left them in complete neglect by not giving them the status of Martyr of the Motherland, while studies and historical documents are also missing.
"It is a legendary time, but all governments, from Zogu onwards, have not dealt with it. We as an organization have taken it upon ourselves and finally succeeded in proclaiming him and his companions as martyrs. Many documents are needed, but fortunately for Oso Kuka there were many materials", says Vukaj.
The Martyrs of the Fatherland organization also has a request for the Presidency to honor Oso Kuka with the highest title of the Albanian state.
"Oso Kuka deserves it. Those who deal with this work should listen to the voice of these people".
The former speaker of the Assembly Namik Dokle says that those who seek to denigrate the status of the Martyr are in a big backwardness.
A relative of Oso Kuka thanked for the proclamation Martyr of the Fatherland.
"He was one of the brave boys that Shkodra has never missed. His heroic act has inspired and will inspire generations," said Orhan Kuka. "This family has given the country generations of fighters for the defense of the Motherland."
Before the ceremony, a plaque placed in the historical museum of Shkodra bearing the name of Oso Kuka and 27 other comrades who fell for the defense of Albanian lands was inaugurated.