Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently honored a group of individuals known as “Loktantra Senanis” for their sacrifices during the period of Emergency. The felicitation ceremony took place at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, where the Chief Minister acknowledged their contributions. Furthermore, the state government demonstrated its appreciation by transferring Rs 15,000 to each of the 91 “Senanis” and their family members.
During his address at the event, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the significance of the Emergency of 1975, which he described as the darkest chapter in India’s history. He condemned the blatant assault on democracy, the curtailment of fundamental rights, and the suppression of dissent that occurred during that time. Sarma urged everyone to remember the importance of upholding freedom, liberty, and the power of the people.
“It was a blatant assault on democracy, curbing fundamental rights and suppressing dissent. Let us never forget the importance of upholding freedom, liberty, and the power of the people,” said CM Sarma while felicitating the ‘Loktantra Senanis’.
It is worth mentioning that in April of this year, the state’s housing and urban affairs minister, Ashok Singhal, announced that the government had identified 301 individuals who were imprisoned during the Emergency. These individuals would be provided with a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 each. Singhal also stated that if any of the imprisoned persons had passed away, their spouses or kin, who were recognized as “Loktantra Senanis,” would receive the pension.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his tribute to those who resisted the Emergency and worked to strengthen India’s democratic spirit. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he acknowledged, saying, “I pay homage to all those courageous people who resisted the Emergency and worked to strengthen our democratic spirit. The #DarkDaysOfEmergency remain an unforgettable period in our history, totally opposite to the values our Constitution celebrates.”
This recognition and appreciation of the Loktantra Senanis and their sacrifices during the Emergency period reflect the government’s commitment to acknowledging historical injustices and honoring those who fought to uphold democratic principles. By felicitating and providing financial support to these individuals and their families, the Assam government aims to ensure that their contributions are recognized and that they receive the assistance they deserve.
The ceremony organized by Chief Minister Sarma at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra was a symbolic gesture to honor the Loktantra Senanis and remind the public of the significance of preserving democratic ideals. It serves as a reminder that the collective effort to defend democracy and protect fundamental rights should never be forgotten.
