SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated a special exhibition on the 1975 Emergency at the Convention Centre in Jammu, marking the observance of “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” and paying tribute to those who resisted the Emergency and upheld constitutional values.
Speaking at the event, LG Sinha termed the Emergency as the most inhuman act in India’s democratic history. He said the 21-month period saw civil liberties being suspended, constitutional safeguards violated, and democratic institutions weakened. “The soul of the country was crushed during that period,” he said, while recalling the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and arrests of political opponents.
LG Sinha emphasised the need to prepare future generations to prevent such incidents. “This is a moment of deep reflection and reaffirmation of our commitment to democratic values and constitutional morality,” he added.
He called upon youth to understand and expose the mindset behind dictatorial tendencies. “Democracy is in India’s nature. It must be protected through awareness and vigilance,” he said.
Sinha also shared personal experiences from the Emergency period and urged citizens to stay informed about their constitutional rights. He said that the sacrifices made by those who stood against the Emergency would continue to inspire efforts towards strengthening democracy.
A Dogri translation of ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’, and ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’ was also released during the event.
Political leaders and citizens who suffered during the Emergency shared their accounts at the gathering. LG Sinha assured them that their concerns would be raised with the appropriate authorities.
Among those present were former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta, MLA Arvind Gupta, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, and other senior officials and public representatives.
