‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas a Wake-Up Call for Democracy’
KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, June 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated a special exhibition at the Convention Centre, Jammu, to mark “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” — the day commemorating the imposition of Emergency in India on June 25, 1975. The exhibition, showcasing the events and resistance during the 21-month-long Emergency, is a stark reminder of what the LG called “the most inhuman act in the history of Indian democracy.”
Paying rich tributes to the countless individuals who suffered, resisted, and ultimately stood up to safeguard the soul of the Indian Constitution, LG Sinha said, “This observance is not just a remembrance of history. It is an opportunity for deep reflection and reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality.”
The Lieutenant Governor, while addressing the gathering, strongly condemned the period of Emergency as a time when “the soul of the country was crushed, civil liberties were attacked, constitutional safeguards were violated and dreams of nation-building were buried.”
He called on the younger generation to learn from this grim chapter in Indian history. “We must prepare our youth to recognize and resist any such authoritarian tendencies in the future. It is our duty to create awareness about constitutional values in every section of society so that such a dictatorial mindset can never take root again,” he said.
LG Sinha recalled how fundamental rights were suspended, the press muzzled through censorship, and thousands of political opponents, journalists and citizens were jailed under draconian measures. “Dictatorship is not just a form of government, it’s a mindset. The new generation must understand how democracy was held hostage for political gain.”
In a heartfelt gesture, the LG honoured survivors and victims of the Emergency, acknowledging their courage, sacrifices, and resilience. He also assured them that their concerns and pending issues would be taken up with the concerned authorities for redressal.
The Lieutenant Governor shared personal recollections from the Emergency period and emphasized the timeless nature of India’s democratic spirit. “Democracy is in India’s DNA. We have been the mother of democracy since time immemorial. I salute all those who stood firm and defended the democratic fabric of our nation in those dark times.”
He expressed confidence that the saga of sacrifices by those who upheld the Constitution and democratic ideals during Emergency will serve as a guiding light for generations to come. “Their struggle and resilience will continue to inspire us in building a truly developed and inclusive India,” he remarked.
On the occasion, LG Sinha also released the Dogri translations of three important legal texts: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, underscoring the government’s commitment to legal awareness and linguistic inclusivity.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including former Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kavinder Gupta, MLA Shri Arvind Gupta, Principal Secretary Culture Department Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shri Ramesh Kumar, along with senior officials, political leaders, and civil society members. Survivors of the Emergency also shared moving accounts of their ordeal during the dark period.
