 Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, June 25: Marking the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, Member of Parliament and BJP Senior Leader Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana today strongly condemned the events of the 21-month authoritarian rule, calling it "a black blot on the soul of Indian democracy."
Addressing a massive public gathering in Srinagar, Khatana paid homage to the thousands of political activists, journalists, students, and ordinary citizens who were illegally jailed, silenced, and stripped of their constitutional rights during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
"The Emergency was a brutal attack on the Constitution, civil liberties, and democratic values of our nation. It was a time when the voice of the people was suppressed, the media muzzled, the judiciary compromised, and opposition leaders jailed without trial. It stands as a grim reminder of how democracy can be strangled by political greed," Khatana said. He lauded the resilience of the Indian people, the sacrifices of leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, George Fernandes, and others who fought bravely from jail cells to restore democracy.
Highlighting the significance of Jammu & Kashmir in India's democratic journey, Khatana said:
"Kashmir has always believed in the idea of India. And as we remember this dark chapter, we must pledge that no force-internal or external-will be allowed to ever trample upon the democratic rights of our people again."
Khatana also emphasized the role of the current leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in safeguarding constitutional institutions, empowering citizens, and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who suffered during the Emergency. Several prominent community leaders, party functionaries, youth activists, and civil society members were present at the gathering.
Khatana concluded his speech with a powerful message:
"Let June 25 not just be a day of mourning-but a day of awareness, unity, and democratic vigilance. Never again should India fall into the trap of dictatorship in the guise of democracy."
|
