Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 24: The General Category People’s Front of India (GCPF) organized a Shradanjali Samaroh to honor the young martyrs of the 1990 anti-Mandal agitation. During the ceremony, participants lit candles and offered floral tributes, garlanding the martyrs with petals while chanting the Gayatri Mantra under the guidance of Raj Kumar Banathia, Chairman of the Front. S.N. Sharma, General Secretary of the Front, spoke passionately about the sacrifices made by student martyrs, who gave their lives for the unity and integrity of the nation, standing against divisive caste-based politics. He emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for the eradication of inequalities, injustices, and caste-based discrimination in the country. Sharma remarked that the path to justice demands sacrifice, struggle, and dedication, calling on people to continue the work the martyrs began. He also lamented the lack of true secular leaders in India who are committed to upholding human rights and equality.
Jagdish Dogra, Advisor to GCPF, shared a brief history of the anti-Mandal agitation, describing how the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, which introduced caste-based job reservations, sparked protests led by students. He recalled how Rajiv Goswami’s self-immolation at Desh Bandhu College in South Delhi ignited widespread protests marked by violence and clashes with the police, which shook the government and altered political dynamics in the country. Prof. Yash Paul Sanson, President of GCPF, paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that their voices against injustice and discrimination should continue to inspire today’s youth. He called on young people to step forward in the fight for justice and equality. Prof. Sanson also urged the government to reconsider caste-based reservations and explore alternatives, arguing that the caste system should become irrelevant in modern India.
He further criticized the misuse of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, claiming it is often abused for personal vendettas.
The ceremony concluded with a two-minute silence in memory of the young martyrs, offering prayers for their eternal peace. Notable participants in the event included Dr. Bansi Lal, V.K. Sharma, Deepika Khajuria, Ravi Sahni, Surinder Kumar, Kewal Sharma, Bhushan Pargal, and Gopal Dass Verma.
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