Dehradun – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored Loktantra Senanis and their families at a special program organized on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, at his official residence on Wednesday. The event was a tribute to those who resisted the Emergency imposed on June 25, 1975 — a period the Chief Minister described as a “dark chapter in Indian democracy.”
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dhami announced that the state government would soon introduce a dedicated legislation for the welfare of Loktantra Senanis (fighters for democracy). “A new act will be brought during the upcoming monsoon session to address their concerns and ensure their dignity,” he said.
To streamline the resolution of their grievances, the Chief Minister declared that a nodal officer will be appointed at the government level. He also instructed officials to simplify the procedure for disbursing the monthly honorarium to fighters for democracy and to expedite the issuance of certificates to eligible individuals.
“Our government had earlier increased the monthly honor fund for democracy fighters, and we are committed to further enhancements,” he said, reaffirming the state’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
Recalling the imposition of the Emergency, Dhami said, “On June 25, 1975, the Emergency was enforced due to the dictatorial tendencies of a single individual, suppressing the Constitution, curbing press freedom, silencing the judiciary, and infringing on citizens’ fundamental rights.”
He paid tribute to prominent leaders like Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan, Nanaji Deshmukh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who, despite being imprisoned, stood firm in defense of democracy. “Thousands of youth and students joined the movement. It is because of their sacrifices that today every citizen values democracy deeply,” he added.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the initiative led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate June 25 as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” (Constitution Murder Day), to educate the younger generation about the significance of democratic values and the lessons from the Emergency era.
Dhami further announced that honor programs for Loktantra Senanis will now be organized annually by the state.
He also underlined the growing recognition of Uttarakhand’s progressive governance at the national level. “Our small state is setting an example. We have implemented the country’s strictest anti-copying law and secured first place in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ranking. We are working towards becoming leaders in every sector,” he said.
The event was attended by former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Chief Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, and several democracy fighters including Krishna Kumar Agarwal and Prem Barakoti, along with their families and supporters.
