- June 25 designated as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to honor those who suffered during the 1975 Emergency.
- Emergency period marked by suspension of civil liberties and mass arrests.
- The move aims to remind citizens of the importance of democratic values and constitutional rights.
The Indian government has officially declared June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to honor and remember the sacrifices and struggles of those who endured the hardships of the Emergency period in 1975.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that observing this day will serve as a reminder of the consequences when the Constitution is disregarded, referring to the Emergency as a “dark phase” in Indian history.
June 25 Declared as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to Mark Emergency Anniversary
The declaration of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ by the Indian government is a poignant reminder of the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977, a time when democratic freedoms were severely curtailed. The announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah underscores the government’s commitment to honoring those who suffered and resisted during this tumultuous period in India’s history.
The Emergency, declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, resulted in the suspension of civil liberties, the curtailment of press freedom, and the imprisonment of political opponents. This period is often referred to as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements on social media highlighted the importance of remembering the Emergency as a cautionary tale of the dangers of authoritarianism. He noted that the observance of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is not only about recalling past struggles but also about reinforcing the values of democracy and the rule of law in the present and future.
The move to designate June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ is also seen as a political statement against the Congress party, which was in power during the Emergency. The ruling government aims to remind citizens of the sacrifices made to restore democracy and the ongoing importance of vigilance in protecting constitutional rights.
The institution of ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of democratic principles and the enduring resilience of those who fought to restore India’s constitutional rights during the Emergency.
“On 25 June 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showing her dictatorial mindset, strangled the soul of Indian democracy by imposing emergency in the country.”
– Amit Shah