A memorial gathering was held in Mussoorie to honour the activists and martyrs who lost their lives during the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the programme virtually and paid tribute to all known and unknown participants in the movement.
Dhami said Uttarakhand would always remain indebted to those who made the supreme sacrifice for the dream of a separate state. He also expressed respect for the families of the martyrs and the activists present at the gathering.
Why Dhami could not attend in person
The chief minister said he had travelled to Mussoorie for the memorial programme continuously for 5 years. This time, heavy rain in Khatima prevented him from reaching the venue. According to Dhami, rain had continued from around 8:30 am, while he was expected to reach Mussoorie by 10:30 am.
Dhami said he personally felt distressed at being unable to attend after remaining present at the programme for 5 consecutive years. He therefore offered his tribute through a virtual connection.
Tribute to movement martyrs
Referring to the Khatima firing incident, Dhami said protests had also taken place in Mussoorie in opposition to it. He said activists campaigning for a separate Uttarakhand state had been demonstrating peacefully, without weapons and without an intention to use violence.
According to the chief minister, the protesters were driven by the vision of a better Uttarakhand and a separate state. He said the then administration attempted to suppress a democratic demand with gunfire.
Dhami paid tribute to Belmati Chauhan, Hansa Dhanai, Balbir Singh Negi, Dhanpat Singh, Rai Singh Bangari and Manmohan Mamgai. He also remembered DSP Umakant Tripathi, who lost his life while carrying out his duty.
Legacy of the statehood movement
Dhami said the sacrifices made to protect Uttarakhand’s identity and self-respect gave the statehood movement new strength, direction and momentum. He also honoured every known and unknown activist who contributed to the movement for the creation of Uttarakhand.
The chief minister said the state was created as a result of the activists’ struggle and sacrifice. He added that future generations would continue to remember the martyrs and that their memories would remain closely connected with Uttarakhand’s identity and self-respect.
Conclusion
The Mussoorie memorial brought attention to the sacrifices behind Uttarakhand’s creation, while Dhami’s virtual participation reflected his tribute after heavy rain prevented him from attending in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What was held in Mussoorie?
A memorial gathering was organised in memory of activists who were martyred during the Uttarakhand statehood movement.
Q. How did Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami join the programme?
Dhami joined the gathering virtually after heavy rain in Khatima prevented him from reaching Mussoorie.
Q. Why could Dhami not reach Mussoorie?
He said continuous heavy rain in Khatima disrupted his travel to the programme.
Q. Which incident did Dhami refer to?
The chief minister referred to the Khatima firing incident and the protests held in Mussoorie in opposition to it.
Q. Which martyrs were named in the tribute?
Dhami named Belmati Chauhan, Hansa Dhanai, Balbir Singh Negi, Dhanpat Singh, Rai Singh Bangari and Manmohan Mamgai.
Q. Who was DSP Umakant Tripathi?
Dhami paid tribute to DSP Umakant Tripathi, who lost his life while performing his duty.
Q. What did Dhami say about the movement’s legacy?
He said Uttarakhand was created through the activists’ struggle and sacrifice, and that future generations would remember them.
