 Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Mar 15: The death anniversary of veteran leader, four-time former legislator and founding member of Praja Parishad, Lala Shiv Charan Gupta, was commemorated today with deep reverence and respect. A solemn commemoration ceremony was organised in which thousands of people from different walks of life gathered to pay floral tributes and remember his immense contributions to public life and the cause of national integration in Jammu & Kashmir.
Speakers on the occasion described Lala Shiv Charan Gupta as a fearless nationalist leader who played a significant role in the historic Praja Parishad movement, which fought for the full constitutional integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India. They noted that during those turbulent times many activists faced severe repression from the authorities, yet Lala Ji remained steadfast and continued to lead the movement with courage and conviction.
Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA, recalled the struggles and sacrifices of his father during the movement. He stated that Lala Shiv Charan Gupta was imprisoned for nearly five months for his active participation in the agitation. During this period, he was subjected to extremely harsh and inhumane conditions in jail. Gupta said that after his arrest, Lala Ji was treated like a hardened criminal and was taken into custody in humiliating circumstances, including being kept in solitary confinement as a form of physical torture meant to break the morale of the activists.
He further recalled that despite the severe hardships, physical suffering and attempts to intimidate him, Lala Shiv Charan Gupta remained unwavering in his commitment to the cause of justice and national unity. His courage and determination during imprisonment inspired many other activists who were part of the movement.
Gupta also stated that during the agitation period the authorities had even issued shoot-at-sight orders against Lala Shiv Charan Gupta, reflecting the intensity of the movement and the fearlessness with which he stood for his principles. Despite such grave threats to his life, Lala Ji continued his struggle with remarkable courage and dedication.
Several speakers also stated that the sacrifices and struggles of leaders like Lala Shiv Charan Gupta and other Praja Parishad activists were ultimately vindicated on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated by the Government of India under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations for the complete constitutional integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of the country. People also recalled his significant developmental contributions and his strong bond with the masses, a fact that was clearly reflected in the overwhelming public participation at the ceremony.
Other speakers paid glowing tributes to Lala Shiv Charan Gupta and remembered him as a leader of courage, simplicity and integrity who dedicated his life to the service of society and the development of the region. They stated that his life remains a lasting inspiration for present and future generations.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA SMVD Katra; R. S. Pathania, MLA Udhampur East; Satish Sharma, MLA Billawar; Sunil Bhardwaj, MLA Ramnagar; Devyani Rana, MLA Nagrota; Arun Gupta, District President BJP Udhampur; District President BJP Mahila Morcha Smt. Nisha Mahajan Pramod Kapahi, Prabhari Udhampur District; Lal Chand, Former DDC Chairman Udhampur; Ashu Sharma, DDC Member Tikri; Smt. Pinki Devi, DDC Member Latti Marothi; and Puran Chand Sharma, DDC Member Udhampur-I, Rohit Sethi BJP District Secretary ; Varinder Badyal and Pankaj Mahajan;
Prominent among those present were Dr. Jogeshwar Gupta, Former Municipal Chairman Udhampur, President Shiv Charan Yadgar Committee Sham Saroop Kalsotra; President Sanatan Dharam Sabha Vikramaditya Gupta; President Beopar Mandal Udhampur Jitender Varmani along with several Mandal Pradhans, Sarpanches and Panches.
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