Khatima firing incident, which marked a significant chapter in Uttarakhand’s struggle for statehood, is something that the people of Uttarakhand can never forget. On the 30th anniversary of this tragic event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the creation of the state, acknowledging the profound grief that their families continue to endure.
Khatima firing incident:Remembering the Sacrifice of Uttarakhand’s Martyrs
Chief Minister Dhami, while addressing a gathering at the Khatima Martyrs’ Memorial on Sunday, expressed his deep respect for the sacrifices made by the statehood movement’s martyrs.
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He paid homage by garlanding the statues of the seven brave martyrs: Bhagwan Singh Siraula, Pratap Singh, Rampal, Salim Ahmed, Gopichand, Dharmanand Bhatt, and Paramjit Singh. These individuals laid down their lives in the pursuit of a separate Uttarakhand state, leaving behind their families, including sisters and mothers, to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Dhami emphasized that the people of Uttarakhand will forever be indebted to these martyrs, as their sacrifices led to the formation of the state. The Chief Minister also honored the martyrs’ families by presenting them with shawls, symbolizing the state’s recognition and respect for their loss.
The Chief Minister’s Reflection on the Khatima Firing Incident
Reflecting on the tragic events of September 1, 1994, CM Dhami noted that the pain of the Khatima firing incident still resonates deeply within the hearts of the people of Uttarakhand. He stated that the first sacrifice for the formation of a separate state was made on the soil of Khatima, which eventually led to Uttarakhand’s distinct identity as an independent state.
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As a former participant in the statehood movement himself, CM Dhami expressed his personal understanding of the grief endured by the families of the martyrs. He reiterated the importance of remembering why these brave individuals sacrificed their lives – for the dream of a prosperous and independent Uttarakhand.
Demands for Recognition of Unacknowledged Statehood Movement Participants
During the event, Bhuwan Kapri, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Khatima MLA, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, urging the identification and recognition of 253 unacknowledged statehood movement participants. Kapri argued that these individuals meet the same criteria as those already recognized and called for them to be granted similar recognition.
The Chief Minister’s recent initiatives, including providing 10% horizontal reservation for statehood movement participants and reserving jobs for women in government positions, were also acknowledged with gratitude by those present.
Development Initiatives in Uttarakhand
CM Dhami highlighted the ongoing development efforts in Uttarakhand, focusing on improving infrastructure in connectivity, education, healthcare, and tourism. He mentioned that efforts are being made to boost industrialization, tourism, and agriculture, which are expected to create employment opportunities and accelerate economic growth in the state.
The Chief Minister also announced that the families of the statehood martyrs are being provided with a monthly pension of ₹3,000, while those who were imprisoned, injured, or actively participated in the movement receive pensions of ₹6,000 and ₹4,500, respectively.
Aid for Flood-Affected Victims in Khatima
In response to the recent disaster in Khatima, CM Dhami revealed that ₹25 crore has been released for the disaster-affected victims, with ₹12.68 crore already distributed. He instructed the District Magistrate, Udayraj Singh, to conduct a second survey to ensure that all disaster-affected individuals receive the necessary assistance.
Notable Attendees
The event saw the presence of several notable figures, including MP Ajay Bhatt, MLA Bhuwan Kapri, Rudrapur MLA Shiv Arora, Nanakmatta MLA Gopal Rana, and many others who came together to honor the martyrs and support their families.