Malanje — The Minister of of Former Combatants and Motherland Veterans, Kundi Paihama, highlighted on Friday in Xa-Muteba district, eastern Lunda Norte province, the bravery spirit colonial repression martyrs, considering them to be national unity symbol in the conquest of independence, peace and reconciliation of the country.

The minister said so when addressing the main event of the 52nd anniversary of the Colonial Repression Martyrs Day, marked on 4 January.

The official highlighted the attitude shown by peasants and said that such posture must be followed by youth and citizens in general, having in view the development of the country.

On the other hand, the minister ensured that all efforts are being made in order to exalt more and more the former combatants' life.

"Through the implementation of farming projects, professional training in arts and crafts, among others, aiming for social integration of this group of the society", he said.

Kundi Paihama also said that the ministry is carrying out a structuring work of computerized database so as to annul some illegalities.

On 4 January 1961, thousands of Angolan peasants of Baixa de Cassanje cotton plantations, in northern Malanje province, were murdered, as they opposed the low price paid for their crop by the farmers and Cotonang.

The revolt of the peasants was repelled with Portuguese air force bombardments.