BJP J&K observes Emergency Day in Srinagar with strong message on safeguarding Democracy

Srinagar, 25 June 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K organized a programme in Srinagar to observe Emergency Day, marking the dark chapter in Indian democracy when the Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975.

Ashok Koul, BJP General Secretary (Organization) J&K, MP (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Ali Khatana, Vice-President & MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, Spokesperson & MLA RS Pathania, MLA Satish Kumar Sharma, MLA Baldev Sharma, MLA 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 were present on the occasion.

The event was organized by Salman Sheikh and Er. Aijaz Hussain, and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of party activists, and prominent locals.

Ashok Koul, in his address, highlighted the importance of remembering the Emergency to safeguard India’s democratic foundations. “Today, we pay tribute to those brave individuals who resisted the authoritarian imposition and stood for democratic rights. BJP remains committed to protecting the rights of every citizen and upholding the spirit of democracy in every part of the country, including Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

Ghulam Ali Khatana, in a stirring speech, termed the Emergency a “grim reminder” of what happens when democratic institutions are undermined. “Thousands of political workers endured imprisonment and brutality for speaking up during that time. Their sacrifices should inspire future generations to value and protect the Constitution and democratic values,” he stated.

The programme included the inauguration of an Emergency Day Exhibition at Municipality Park, Jawahar Nagar, depicting the horrors and resistance during the Emergency era.

Ashok Koul, including senior BJP leaders, also participated in a symbolic tree plantation drive under the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” at SMC Park, highlighting environmental responsibility.

A special orientation-cum-training session for the upcoming “Youth Parliament” was also organized at Hotel Samci Riviera, Rajbagh, led by youth leader Bilal Parray. The event saw enthusiastic participation from young citizens, reflecting BJP’s growing engagement with youth in the region.

The event also included recitations, a brief documentary on the Emergency, and interactions with senior party workers who shared their memories of resistance during that period.