Guwahati, June 26: In a gesture of recognition and gratitude, the Assam government has announced a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 for those individuals who valiantly resisted the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his regret that the President, who signed the ordinance and the then Congress national chief hailed him from Assam.
However, he emphasized that the resilience shown by opposition leaders, media personnel, lawyers, and various other segments of society during that challenging period ensured that no regime could ever contemplate imposing such restrictions again.
Chief Minister Himanta Sarma made these remarks at a ceremony held to honor and felicitate 300 ‘Loktantra senanis’ (fighters of democracy) and their family members. He pointed out that the President who signed the order for the Emergency was an Assamese, marking the first instance when the state contributed a President to the nation.
Also Read: Bridge Explosion in Manipur Prompts Police Investigation and NIA Involvement in National Security
Regrettably, this same individual signed the order that led to the imposition of the Emergency. Himanta Sarma also mentioned the former President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and the then Congress leader, Debakanta Baruah, both hailing from Assam, whose roles during that period are etched in history.
While acknowledging that the Emergency was a dark chapter in the country’s history, Chief Minister Sarma praised the unwavering determination and dedication of the “warriors of democracy” who valiantly fought against it. He asserted that their resolute resistance had created an indomitable barrier, making it inconceivable for any future regime to impose similar restrictions.
Taking a swipe at the current Congress leadership, he criticized the party’s transformation from a party that led the Independence movement under Mahatma Gandhi to a family-centric entity during Indira Gandhi’s tenure. He believed that her decision to impose the Emergency was merely driven by her desire to retain power.
Himanta Sarma expressed his deep appreciation for the opposition leaders, media professionals, advocates, and all others who played a pivotal role in resisting the Emergency.
In recognition of their sacrifices, the state government has decided to honor their contributions. The Assam cabinet has approved a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 for the “Loktantra senanis” who are still alive, or for their surviving spouses or unmarried daughters in case of the person’s demise.
Ninety-one individuals meet the eligibility criteria for this pension, as determined by records indicating their imprisonment for more than 15 days during the resistance to the Emergency. The Chief Minister assured that if any deserving individuals have been inadvertently excluded from the government’s list, their names will be added later.
This decision by the Assam government stands as a testament to the recognition and appreciation for the courageous individuals who stood against the repressive regime during the Emergency. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy and upholding the values of freedom, justice, and the rights of the people.
