Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 31: Glowing tribute were paid to the martyrs of the 1953 Praja Parishad agitation during a solemn programme organized by the Praja Parishad Memorial Trust at Jourian here today.
The event was held to honour the sacrifices made for the cause of “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan” and for full constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta as Chief Guest.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Seh-Sanghchalak Vikrant Sharma, MLAs Sham Lal Sharma and Mohan Lal Bhagat, along with saints, social leaders and local citizens, were also present.
An exhibition highlighting the Praja Parishad movement was organized, displaying documents and photographs related to the historic agitation.
A Health Mela by Narayana Hospital and a Kisan Mela by the Agriculture Department were also held on the occasion.
It was announced that a memorial statue of the Praja Parishad martyrs will be installed, made using soil collected from the homes of the martyrs.
The initiative aims to symbolize the lasting bond between the martyrs, their families and the nation.
Paying floral tributes at the Shaheedi Sthal, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta said that a nation must remember its history and sacrifices to preserve its identity.
He recalled the role of Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and the seven youths who were martyred while attempting to hoist the National Flag during the 1953 agitation.
He said the demand for “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan” was fulfilled after decades of sacrifices and urged people to work for national unity.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikrant Sharma said the history of Jammu and Kashmir was marked by struggle and sacrifice.
Sunil Sharma said the martyrs’ sacrifices should inspire the younger generation to learn about historic movements and national values.
Nirmal Singh said true homage lies in strengthening unity and upholding constitutional principles.
Earlier, Trust President Daljit Singh Chib said the Praja Parishad movement was a mass struggle for equality and dignity. He said remembering the martyrs was a collective responsibility.
Several social and religious organizations also paid floral tribute during the programme.
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