Arunachal Guv, CM underscore need for drawing lessons from past to protect Constitution

Itanagar, Jun 25 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday underscored the importance of drawing lessons from the past and reaffirming the collective commitment to protect the Constitution.

Leading the observance of 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' in the border district of Tawang, Khandu called upon the people to safeguard civil liberties and preserve the democratic values that define the nation.

He said the day serves as a reminder of the need to protect the Constitution and strengthen democratic principles.

"Let us draw lessons from the past and reaffirm our commitment to protect the Constitution, safeguard civil liberties, and preserve the democratic values that define our great nation," the chief minister said in a post on X.

The day marks the anniversary of the imposition of Emergency in 1975, widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history.

The programme was jointly organised by BJP's Tawang unit and the district administration to reflect on the significance of constitutional integrity and democratic ethos.

State BJP president Kaling Moyong, MLAs Tsering Lhamu (Lungla) and Namgey Tsering (Tawang), former MLA Tsering Tashi, Zilla Parishad chairperson Leki Gombu, APSCW chairperson Yalem Taga Burang, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and Superintendent of Police D W Thongon were among those present, an official statement said.

Earlier in the day, a peaceful rally was held from the Giant Buddha statue to the DC office.

The march witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers of Dorjee Khandu Government College, and members of the public, all walking in solidarity with the spirit of constitutional democracy.

During the event, the chief minister also felicitated students who had won various school-level competitions.

Participating in an event in Itanagar, Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik described the day as one of the darkest chapters in the nation's democratic history.

He said the occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the time when the Constitution was suppressed, and citizens' rights were silenced.

The governor reflected on the significance of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, imposed on the midnight of June 25, 1975.

He noted that the period witnessed a complete breakdown of democratic norms, with civil liberties suspended and the country reduced to a prison "for the sake of retaining power".

Recalling the three instances of national emergency in India, during the 1962 war with China, the 1971 war with Pakistan, and the 1975 Emergency, Parnaik underlined the importance of educating younger generations on the fragility of democratic values and the need for constant vigilance to protect the Constitution.

Paying tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan, the governor lauded his unwavering courage and leadership during those trying times.

"At the age of 73, in fragile health, JP became the symbol of resistance and hope. His fight for democracy changed the course of Indian history. One man's conviction reshaped the destiny of 62 crore people," he said, urging that JP's legacy be kept alive through public education and continued dedication to democratic ideals.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, Women & Child Development and Cultural Affairs Minister Dasanglu Pul, and Chief Secretary Manish Gupta were also present at the Itanagar event. PTI UPL UPL ACD