50th anniversary of the Emergency
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated an exhibition on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, and said that no dictatorship will ever rise again if people succeed in conveying the right message to the younger generation.
Calling the emergency “The most inhuman act in Indian democratic history,” he said that today’s observance of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ is also an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality.
He was speaking at the inauguration of exhibition ‘1975 Emergency’ at Convention Centre here to mark the suspension of civil liberties and censorship of press by the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975.
“I believe the new generation of the country must definitely remember this dark chapter in which democracy was murdered. And, if this message can reach every citizen and the entire new generation, I believe that no dictator can ever rise in this country in the future, and democracy will remain protected,” the LG told reporters here.
He further said that during the darkest period in India’s democratic history, the soul of the country was crushed, civil liberties were attacked, constitutional safeguards were violated, and the dreams of nation-building were buried.
Honouring the victims of the Emergency, who made numerous sacrifices to safeguard constitutional values, Sinha said, “We must resolve to deepen the foundations of our democracy and work with complete dedication for the greater success of our nation.
“I consider the Emergency to be the most inhuman act in Indian democratic history, and today’s observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas is also an opportunity for deep reflection and reaffirmation of our commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality,” the LG said.
The lieutenant governor observed that “June 25 1975” is not merely a date for historical remembrance but a call to action to resist any future attempts to undermine India’s democratic fabric.
He paid homage to the individuals, political leaders, journalists, activists and citizens, who showed resistance during the 21-month period.
Sinha, in his address, reiterated that “The new generation also needs to be told how our great leaders and vigilant citizens displayed great courage and unshakeable loyalty to democratic values.”
The Lieutenant Governor also shared his personal experiences from the emergency period and emphasised educating the people about their rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Political leaders and citizens who were victims of the Emergency also shared their accounts at the event.
On the occasion, Dogri translations of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam were also released by the Lieutenant Governor.
