Mussoorie Firing Martyrs’ Sacrifice Will Always Be Remembered: CM Dhami
Uttarakhand Statehood Dream Was Realised Through the Struggle, Sacrifice and Dedication of State Agitators
Mussoorie, September 2, 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the sacrifice of the state agitators who lost their lives in the Mussoorie firing incident will always remain etched in the history of Uttarakhand. He said the dream of a separate Uttarakhand state was realised because of the struggle, dedication, sacrifice and determination of the statehood movement participants.
The Chief Minister addressed a tribute programme organised in memory of the martyrs of the Uttarakhand statehood movement at Shaheed Sthal, Jhulaghar, Mussoorie, through virtual mode on Wednesday. He paid homage to the martyrs of the Mussoorie firing incident and remembered their contribution to the statehood movement.
Dhami said Mussoorie stands as an important witness to the struggle and sacrifices made during the Uttarakhand statehood movement. In 1994, thousands of statehood activists had gathered in Mussoorie to peacefully protest against the Khatima firing incident. He said the protesters were driven by a vision of a better future for generations to come.
New Generation Must Know the History of Statehood Movement
The Chief Minister said the sacrifice of the martyrs would remain immortal in the memories of the people of Uttarakhand. He reiterated that the sacrifices made during the statehood movement would never be forgotten.
He said it is the collective responsibility of the government and society to ensure that the younger generation remains aware of the struggle, sacrifices and circumstances that led to the creation of Uttarakhand.
Dhami also highlighted the significant role played by women during the statehood movement. He said the mothers and sisters of Uttarakhand strengthened the movement through their active participation, struggle and determination.
Government Taking Steps for Welfare of State Agitators
Calling state agitators the foundation of Uttarakhand’s identity, pride and honour, the Chief Minister said the state government has taken several measures for their welfare and recognition.
He said state agitators and their dependants are being provided 10 per cent horizontal reservation in government jobs. The scope of the reservation has also been expanded to include the deserted, widowed and divorced daughters of identified state agitators.
Identity cards have been issued to state agitators, while 98 agitators have been accommodated in government service, he said.
Pensions Increased for Martyrs’ Families and State Agitators
Dhami said the monthly pension for families of martyrs of the statehood movement has been increased from ₹3,000 to ₹5,500. The pension for jailed and injured agitators has been raised from ₹6,000 to ₹7,000, while that for active agitators has been increased from ₹4,500 to ₹5,500 per month.
The monthly pension for completely bedridden state agitators with disabilities has also been increased from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.
He said free education is being provided to up to two children of state agitators in schools and colleges. State agitators have also been provided free travel facilities on Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses.
Focus on Protecting Uttarakhand’s Identity and Demography
The Chief Minister said the government has taken several significant steps to protect Uttarakhand’s identity and demography. These include 30 per cent horizontal reservation for women in government jobs, implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, a stringent anti-cheating law and a stronger land law.
He said more than 34,000 young people have been provided government jobs through transparent recruitment processes during the past five years.
Dhami also highlighted the implementation of anti-conversion and anti-riot laws in the state. He said strict action has been taken against forces that threaten the peace, culture and social harmony of Devbhoomi, and such action will continue.
Connectivity and Employment Expansion in Border Areas
The Chief Minister said the state government is working continuously towards balanced and comprehensive development of Uttarakhand. Road, rail, ropeway and air connectivity is being expanded rapidly to remote and border areas.
He said the Char Dham Yatra and religious tourism are being integrated with modern facilities, while new avenues for employment and self-employment are being created for young people within the state.
Dhami said the government’s clear objective is to ensure that no young person in Uttarakhand is forced to migrate in search of employment and no village remains deprived of development.
He reiterated the government’s “no-alternative resolve” to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person, villages become self-reliant and prosperous, every hand gets work and every youth gets employment opportunities, while Uttarakhand’s identity, culture and heritage remain protected.
Dignitaries Attend Tribute Programme
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, Mussoorie Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani, Ravindra Jugran, Dehradun District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan and other dignitaries were present at the tribute programme.
