Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that those who resisted declaration of Emergency and endured intolerable pain and sacrificed immensely to strengthen the democratic spirit are the sources of inspiration for the present generation.
To recall the day and its significance, a programme was organised on June 25 in Guwahati to felicitate 301 Lok Tantra Senani and their relatives. Pension papers to 91 of them were presented on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sarma said that 25th June 1975 is considered as a ‘black day’ in Indian democracy. On this day, based on the recommendation of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, President of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed declared emergency. He said that Emergency was declared, flouting all democratic principles and norms. “However, braving the high handedness of the then Prime Minister, lakhs of Indians raised their voice for subverting democracy and in return they ended up in prison,” the Chief Minister said.
Even in Assam also thousands of people raised their voice against the despotism of the then Prime Minister. Dr Sarma also said that the Lok Tantra Senani who fought hard for the return of democracy had to wait for their recognition. He said that in this Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, Assam has decided to felicitate them.
A decision to pay these Senanis a monthly pension of ₹ 15,000was taken in a Cabinet meeting of April 19. In the event of the death of a Lok Tantra Senani, his wife or his unmarried daughter will be entitled to a monthly pension.
