Jammu, June 25 : On the occasion of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the 1975 Emergency Exhibition at the Convention Centre in Jammu.
Marking the anniversary of what he called the darkest chapter in independent India’s history, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to the victims of the Emergency who made countless sacrifices to uphold constitutional values.
“I consider the Emergency to be the most inhuman act in the history of Indian democracy. Today is not only a day of remembrance but also a moment for deep reflection and a reaffirmation of our commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
He stressed that the commemoration of the Emergency’s imposition on June 25, 1975, should serve as both a historical reminder and a call to action. “We must strengthen our resolve to safeguard democracy and ensure that such an assault on civil liberties and constitutional safeguards is never repeated,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor called on citizens, especially the youth, to be vigilant and aware of constitutional rights. He emphasized the need to educate future generations to recognize and resist authoritarian tendencies.
“During those 21 months, India’s soul was crushed, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was censored, and thousands of political opponents and citizens were jailed.It was a direct attack on the democratic ideals that guided our freedom movement and shaped our Constitution,” he said.
He also shared his personal experiences from the Emergency era, highlighting the courage of political leaders, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who resisted authoritarianism and defended democracy.
“Dictatorship is a mindset that must be identified and confronted. The youth must understand how democracy was subverted, and how a handful of individuals damaged the pillars of democracy for political gain,” the LG said.
He expressed full faith that the stories of resilience shown by those who fought to preserve democratic values will continue to inspire the nation.
On the occasion, a Dogri translation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam was released.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta, MLA Arvind Gupta, Principal Secretary of Culture Department Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, senior officials, political leaders, and prominent citizens attended the event. Several victims of the Emergency also shared their personal accounts of the hardships endured during the period. The LG assured them that their concerns would be taken up with the appropriate authorities.(KNS)
