HT Correspondent
PASIGHAT, June 25: The East Siang district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, on Wednesday commemorated Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Killing Day) with a solemn call to uphold and protect the democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The programme, held at the IGJ Government Higher Secondary School (IGJGHSS) Auditorium in Pasighat, was organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Related Posts:
According to an official statement, the event marked the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, a period widely regarded as one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.
The objective of the commemoration was to sensitise citizens, particularly the youth, about the importance of constitutional values and the need to remain vigilant against any threats to democracy.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani urged the public to draw inspiration from the ideals enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution.
“It is imperative for our young generation to not only understand the values of democracy but also live by them, guided by the spirit of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity,” she said.
Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, who attended the event as the special guest, echoed similar sentiments and highlighted the role of every citizen in safeguarding the democratic framework of the country.
Both the DC and SP flagged off the day’s programme with a Prabhat Pheri (morning march) through Pasighat township, accompanied by heads of departments (HoDs), Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, community-based organisations (CBOs), students, and members of the public.
Participants marched with placards and slogans, calling for the preservation of constitutional rights and democratic accountability.
The enthusiastic turnout reflected the community’s awareness and interest in understanding the historical lessons of the Emergency era.
As part of the event, prizes were distributed to winners of an essay writing competition held earlier on the theme of democracy and constitutional values.
In the senior category, Rupa Bhagat from DEMGHSS secured the first prize, followed by Mumne Borang in second place.
In the junior section, Raj Orang from GUPS, Balwadi won the first prize, while Anu Padun from KGBV received the second prize.
The awards were handed over by the DC and SP in a brief felicitation ceremony.
A documentary film reflecting on the imposition and consequences of the Emergency was also screened, offering a visual narration of the events between 1975 and 1977.
The film sought to create awareness about the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and the widespread arrests of political opponents during the period.
Officials stated that the commemoration aimed to not only pay homage to the democratic spirit of India but also remind citizens that the Constitution is a living document whose principles must be upheld through active civic participation.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to safeguard the country’s democratic institutions and ensure that such a period of constitutional subversion is never repeated.
