UDHAMPUR: To raise awareness about the suspension of democratic rights and constitutional values during the emergency imposed on June 25, 1975, the District Administration Udhampur today organized an impressive programme to observe the 50th Samvidhan Hatya Diwas here at Conference Hall, DC Office Complex, Udhampur.

Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai was the chief guest on the occasion.

The event witnessed the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, Chief Planning Officer Mohd Iqbal, General Manager DIC Kishore Singh, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Dr. Umesh Shan, other district officers, civil society members and students.

While addressing the gathering, the DC emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and drawing lessons from the past to protect the rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. She stated it is crucial to reflect on this dark chapter of our history and reaffirm our collective commitment to the Constitution. Rights such as the Right to Equality, Right to Life and Right to Dignity are not mere words they are living guarantees bestowed upon us by the framers of our Constitution, to whom we owe a deep sense of gratitude.

She further urged everyone to uphold and propagate the constitutional values that form the bedrock of India's democracy.

During the programme, various speakers delivered insightful lectures highlighting the constitutional, social and political implications of the Emergency. They apprised that the period was marked by the suspension of fundamental rights, strict censorship of the press and unprecedented centralization of executive power. Thousands of political leaders, journalists and members of civil society were imprisoned and constitutional safeguards were severely compromised.

Later, District Social Welfare Officer, Kanika Gupta, administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge to all participants.