Srinagar, 25 June 2025 (ANB):
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday observed Emergency Day in Srinagar, marking 50 years since the imposition of Emergency on 25 June 1975—an event widely regarded as a dark chapter in India’s democratic journey.
The programme, held at multiple venues across the city, was spearheaded by BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul and saw the presence of several senior party leaders including Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Ali Khatana, Vice-President & MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, MLAs RS Pathania, Satish Kumar Sharma, Baldev Sharma, Dilip Parihar, DDC Mendhar Tipu Khan, BJP Spokesperson Altaf Thakur, VDG Cell Incharge Basant Raj, District President Srinagar Sheikh Salman, and DDC Srinagar Er. Aijaz Hussain.
Organized by Sheikh Salman and Er. Aijaz Hussain, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from party workers and local citizens.
In his keynote address, Ashok Koul emphasized the importance of commemorating the Emergency as a lesson in preserving democratic values. “This day is a solemn reminder of the resilience of those who stood up against tyranny. BJP is firmly committed to protecting individual freedoms and upholding democracy across the nation, including in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. According to the News Service Associated News Bureau ANB,MP Ghulam Ali Khatana described the Emergency as a “grim warning” about the dangers of centralized authoritarianism. “Thousands of political activists were jailed and tortured simply for speaking the truth. Their courage and sacrifice should serve as a beacon for future generations,” he said.
As part of the observance, an Emergency Day Exhibition was inaugurated at Municipality Park, Jawahar Nagar, showcasing archival images and narratives of resistance during the 21-month period of Emergency.
The programme also included a symbolic tree plantation drive at SMC Park under the national campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, with the participation of senior leaders, underscoring BJP’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
In a significant outreach to youth, a special orientation-cum-training session for the upcoming “Youth Parliament” was held at Hotel Samci Riviera, Rajbagh. Led by BJP youth leader Bilal Parray, the session drew a strong turnout from young citizens, signaling BJP’s deepening engagement with the region’s youth.
The day’s events concluded with cultural recitations, a documentary screening on the Emergency period, and an interactive session with senior BJP workers who shared their personal stories of resistance. ANB
