Uttarakhand News: The memories of the heroes whose blood and sacrifice laid the foundation of the state of Uttarakhand are still alive in the hearts of every mountain dweller. The same emotional and glorious atmosphere was once again seen on September 2 at the martyr's place in the capital Dehradun. On the occasion of the anniversary of Mussoorie firing, State Government Cabinet Minister Khajan Das reached the memorial of the immortal martyrs and paid homage to them. During this time, the eyes of all the people present at the martyr's place were moist and the atmosphere was echoing with the cheers of the martyrs. Everyone's face reflected deep respect for the struggle of their ancestors, which transformed the dream of a separate hill state into reality.
Our state was built by the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Addressing the program, Cabinet Minister Khajan Das said that today is not just a day to perform formalities or complete any ritual. This day reminds all the people of the state that the open and independent Uttarakhand where we are living with dignity today is the result of the martyrdom of these brave agitators. He bluntly said that if the agitators had not sacrificed their lives, the dream of a separate state would never have been fulfilled. Every particle of this soil is indebted to the sacrifice of those immortal fighters, which we can never forget.
A dark chapter recorded in the pages of history
During the speech, the minister also recalled the dreadful scene of September 2, 1994, when the sound of bullets echoed in the peaceful valleys. He said that a day earlier i.e. on 1st September, there was brutal action against the agitators in Khatima. In protest against this, the next day people in Mussoorie were raising their voice in a completely peaceful manner. The brutality with which the police opened fire on that peaceful protest at the behest of the then government has remained a dark chapter in history. In that firing, along with brave women like Belmati Chauhan and Hansa Dhanai, Balbir Singh Negi, Dhanpat Singh, Madan Mohan Mamgain and Rai Singh Bangari had sacrificed their lives. While trying to save the lives of the agitators, Deputy Superintendent of Police Umakant Tripathi was also martyred.
Making Uttarakhand of dreams is the true tribute.
Calling upon the public and the youth, the Cabinet Minister said that true tribute can be paid to the martyrs only when we build the state as per their dreams. The Uttarakhand that our ancestors had imagined was a happy, self-reliant state associated with its rich culture. He said that today we all have to come together and take a pledge that we will always be ahead to protect our water, forests and land. In the race for development, protecting the original form and environment of the state should be our first responsibility. Unless basic facilities and prosperity reach every village, the dream of the martyrs will remain unfulfilled.
The leaders of the movement were remembered
On this auspicious occasion, Cabinet Minister Khajan Das also remembered the senior agitator and former MLA late Ranjit Singh Verma, who played a leading role in the Uttarakhand state creation movement. While paying floral tributes on the portrait of late Verma, he said that dedicated leaders like him gave the right direction to the movement and taught people to stand for their rights. His thoughts and struggles even today serve as a guide for the policy makers and social workers of the state.
Distinguished citizens also paid obeisance
Many prominent personalities, state agitators and local citizens participated enthusiastically in this dignified program organized at the martyr's site. Everyone took turns offering flowers at the martyr's altar and paying homage to the brave sons. On this occasion, a large number of people including Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Director Vishal Gupta, local councilor Rohan Chandel, Mandal General Secretary Rahul Panwar, Bar Association President Anil Sharma, Soni Rawat, Sukhbir Singh, Ashok Rathore and Satyam Sharma were present. The crowd present in one voice reiterated the promise of realizing the dreams of the martyrs and taking the state to new heights.
Also read: 26 madrassas of Uttarakhand got recognition, CM Dhami said – the future of children will be bright only with modern education.