ITANAGAR, Jun 25: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh observed Samvidhan Hatya Diwas solemnly here today to mark 51 years of the Emergency on June 25, 1975, describing it as one of the darkest and most unfortunate chapters in the history of independent India.
The programme was held to commemorate the sacrifices of thousands of democracy defenders who resisted authoritarian rule and to remind the younger generation of the importance of safeguarding the Constitution and democratic institutions.
The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by floral tributes to the brave individuals who endured imprisonment and persecution while fighting to restore democracy. Party leaders observed a moment of reflection in remembrance of those who sacrificed their freedom to protect the democratic fabric of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, RD&PR Minister Ojing Tasing said that the Emergency remains a permanent reminder of the consequences of concentrating unchecked power in the hands of a few. He remarked that the Constitution was not merely violated but its very spirit was undermined through the suspension of civil liberties, censorship of the media, and imprisonment of thousands of political leaders, social activists, students, journalists, and ordinary citizens without due process.
Tasing emphasized that democracy thrives only when the rights of every citizen are protected and institutions function independently. He urged the youth to study the history of the Emergency so that such an assault on democracy is never repeated.
APEDA Chairman Taba Tedir, in his address, said that the Emergency represented a betrayal of the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution by the makers of modern India. He recalled how newspapers were censored, opposition leaders imprisoned, public meetings prohibited, and fear became a tool of governance. He said that while many chose silence under oppression, thousands of courageous citizens continued their struggle to restore democracy despite immense hardships.
Tedir further stated that Samvidhan Hatya Diwas is not merely an occasion to remember history but a solemn pledge to protect democratic institutions, constitutional values, freedom of speech, judicial independence, and the fundamental rights guaranteed to every Indian citizen. He urged party workers to spread awareness among the younger generation about the true history of the Emergency and inspire them to uphold the ideals of democracy.
A host of senior MLAs, IMC Mayor, BJP leaders, State office bearers, Morcha presidents and party workers participated in the programme.
The speakers unanimously observed that while India has emerged as one of the world’s strongest democracies, the lessons of the Emergency must never be forgotten. They stressed that remembering this painful chapter is essential to ensure that no government in the future can suppress the constitutional rights and freedoms of the people.
The observance concluded with a collective pledge by all present to defend democratic values, protect the Constitution, and work tirelessly towards building a strong, united, and developed India where the rights and aspirations of every citizen are respected.