"People Of Independence": Bialystok Activists Will Honor Memory Of Kalinouski And Balakhoviches

The Belarusians were among those fighting for the independence of Poland.

In Białystok, the year 2018 has been declared the year of the "People of Independence". This decision was made by the deputies of city self-government. Thus, they decided to honor the memory of fighters of different times associated with the city and the region, including the rebels of 1863-64, Radio Racyja reports.

For a few weeks, the proposals on persons worthy of perpetuation were gathered in connection with the centennial of the proclamation of Poland's independence.

According to activist Radosław Pusko, he proposed to include in the list the name of one of the leaders of the uprising – Kalinouski: – I do not deny that I wanted to promote Kalinouski’s name as the January Uprising was also discussed. Together with deputy Nazaruk we decided that it would be better to add names of other people, who were close to the idea of an independent Commonwealth, fought for the independence of Poland as well. And that was finally included into the city Council's position. And obviously, there were two other names: of brothers Bulak-Balakhovich. I note that Kalinouski’s name is honored in Bialystok, as one of the main streets is named after this leaders of the January Uprising. There are names of the 22 people, including well-known priests – Jerzy Popiełuszko and Mikhal Sapotska, soldiers of the Polish-Bolshevik War, members of the independent anti-communist underground and others on the list adopted by the deputies.