Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 17: Flaying BJP government for disregarding sentiments of Jammu people by not announcing September 23 as a State holiday to commemorate Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday, Harsh Dev Singh, Chairman JKNPP and former Minister today said that NPP activists would welcome Central Ministers visiting J&K with black flags in case the announcement for holiday is not made before said date.
Addressing a press conference here today Harsh Dev Singh described Maharaja Hari Singh as one of the greatest nationalists who had challenged the British Crown in 1931 at Round Table Conference in London declaring that, “I am an Indian first and then a Maharaja.”
He said, the revered Maharaja shall always be remembered for showcasing his nationalistic ethos as he acceded the State of J&K to the Union of India by signing the historic Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947.
He further maintained that Maharaja Hari Singh was the most progressive ruler of princely India and declaration of his birthday as State holiday would be a befitting tribute to the legendary ruler.
He called upon visiting Central Ministers to announce holiday on September 23 if they have any respect for the sentiments of Jammu people.
Manju Singh, general secretary JKNPP; Surinder Chouhan, district president Jammu Rural and Anita Choudhary were also present in the press conference.
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