On the occasion of the country’s 75th years of Independence, the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Forum (JKPF)held a major homage and resolution gathering at the Sports Stadium in Doda on Sunday to pay respect to the heroes who gave their lives in the struggle against terrorism and for the country’s freedom. Thousands of people joined in refusing to bend down to terrorism and paying gratitude to the sacrifices made by over a thousand locals and security forces personals to maintain their region free from terrorism and foil anti-national designs. On this day, the families of the sacrificial patriots were also honoured. This was the first its kind initiative in three decades to bolster the spirit of Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar district patriots.Senior Advocate of Supreme Court, Monica Arora, Nationalist Sant Dinesh Bharti, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Prant Sanghchalak of Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Gautam Mangi, President of Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir Purshotam Dedchi , Raghu Mehta, a senior official of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Forum, Luminaries from various sections of society, as well as saints and Mahatmas, attended the meeting.Before the start of the Tribute and Sankalp Sabha, Advocate Raghu Mehta, a senior official of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Forum, gave an overview of the Forum’s work and activities, as well as of the programme. He stated that today marks the 75th years of independence. The patriotic people of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Bhaderwah have not only preserved the country’s independence but have also battled anti-national forces and the terror they have spread. Today, we honour the courageous martyrs who have given their lives in the course of our struggle.Dr. Gautam Mangi, Prant Sanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Jammu and Kashmir, began his speech by paying tribute to the heroic people and security officers who gave their lives fighting terrorism in the erstwhile Doda district. Dr. Gautam Mangi emphasized the relevance of the Praja Parishad movement and the role of Maharaja Hari Singh in uniting Jammu and Kashmir with India to those present at the homage and resolution meeting.He said that after India gained independence, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession of Jammu and Kashmir, making the state of Jammu and Kashmir a formal part of India and putting an end to the British conspiracy . But, Sheikh Abdullah gained control of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Hari Singh had to left Jammu and Kashmir due to the machinations of Sheikh Abdullah, Nehru, and Mount Batton, and he would never return alive.Dr. Gautam Mangi claimed that Sheikh had entire power over Jawaharlal Nehru. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was added as a result of this enslavement. Following this, the former state of Jammu and Kashmir was given its own flag, constitution, and head of state. Under the leadership of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Premnath Dogra, patriotic people in Jammu and Kashmir launched the Praja Parishad movement. As a result of this movement, Dr. Mukherjee was arrested and imprisoned. While hoisting the tricolour in Hiranagar, Sunderbani, Jodian, and Ramban, Praja Parishad several workers sacrificed their lives. As a result of the Praja Parishad agitation, the truth about Sheikh Abdullah became known throughout the country, and Nehru was forced to arrest and imprison the Sheikh. However, the seeds of secession had been planted in the state as a result of Sheikh Abdullah’s poisonous policies. Later, anti-humanitarian Article 35-A was added by misusing Article 370. The Central Government has now abolished this restriction.Purushottam Dadhichi, President of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha in Jammu and Kashmir, spoke about the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus, the beginning of terrorism in Doda, target killings and massacres, village defence committees, now known as village defence groups, the Doda Bachao Andolan, and the victory over terrorism, among other topics. He claimed that patriotic people in Jammu and Kashmir launched the Doda Bachao Andolan in response to terrorism. Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban residents actively engaged in this campaign, instilling faith in the patriotic people of these regions. Many heroes were targeted by the terrorists, according to Dadhichi, including Ruchir Kumar, Satish Bhandari, Swami Raj Katal, Chandrakant, Anil Parihar, Ajit Parihar, Vibhishan Singh, and others. Even still, the local society is unfazed and continues to struggle.Dadhichi claimed that during Atal Bihari Bajpayee Govt. At at the Centre, Village defense committees were formed after then-Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani visited Doda and learned about the patriotic people’s resistance.Village defense Committees, now known as Village Defense Groups, played an important role in eliminating or managing terrorism. Patriotic people were given firearms in villages by village security groups, and they immediately confronted terrorists and played a key role in their defeat. Village Defense Groups, or VDGs, are still operational after 25 years. The current administration has made a significant change to the Village Defense Committee by calling it the Village Defense Group. In the fight against terrorism, VDG and others have worked side by side with security authorities.While paying tribute to the civilians and security forces who gave their lives in the region without succumbing to terrorism, Monica Aroda, a senior Supreme Court advocate, said that fundamentalism and its consequences have been visible around the world and in Jammu and Kashmir for the past three decades. Terrorism and separatism in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he claimed, are the outcomes of Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah’s machinations. She praised the nationalist societies of Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts for standing firm in the face of anti-national forces despite terrorist threats, numerous sacrifices, and difficult circumstances.Monica Arora stated that the separatism seeded by Nehru and Sheikh in Jammu and Kashmir eventually grew into terrorism in the state. Pakistan played a significant role in the growth of separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that terrorists began targeting patriotic Kashmiris in 1989-90, forcing Kashmiri Hindus to flee the valley overnight. As a result, Pakistan’s and terrorists’ daring grew even more. His gaze was now drawn to the erstwhile Doda district. Terrorists began attacking the brave citizens of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Bhaderwah. His plan was to force patriotic people to flee Doda like they did in the Kashmir Valley.Terrorists killed hundreds of people at Barshala, Sarvadhar, Sangaldan, Ind, Kot Kunda, Sumbad, Badrakot, Chapnari, Cherji, Thakrai, Desa, Pogal, and Kulhand districts in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts, according to Monica Arora. Besides that, terrorists have started targeting people who are active in society. Terrorists believed that the inhabitants of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban would be terrified and kneel in front of them. However, the patriotic people of this country had vowed to respond appropriately to Pakistan and its terror, and they had done so.This is demonstrated by today’s massive tribute and resolution meeting.Sant Dinesh Bharti began the Tribute and Sankalp Sabha by paying tribute to the heroes who gave their lives in the war against terrorism, as well as thanking the society that is still fighting this battle.Dinesh Bharti, a nationalist saint, remarked that the struggle waged by the people of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts against terrorism over the previous three decades should not be forgotten. He added that after getting off the buses, fundamentalists, separatists, and terrorists killed the patriotic people. Frightening posters were up in the marketplaces, and people were sent threatening open letters. Terrorists not only killed people, but they also went to extremes in their killings to create dread throughout society. More than a thousand security officers and community members have died battling terrorism in the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. Despite these circumstances, society has consistently faced terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and continues to do so now.While many of our people have been killed as a result of terrorism, development works in these inaccessible areas have been delayed, he claimed. While the previous governments were not enthusiastic about the growth of these neighbourhoods, terrorists also targeted schools, temples, and other government structures, by demolishing or burning them. As a result, everyday life was severely impacted, yet the patriotic society here did not give up.According to Sant Dinesh Bharti, although terrorism is dying due to the efforts of security forces and patriotic local people, the symbols of separatism, Article 370 and 35-A, have been also abolished. Following this, nationalist people’s morale has risen, while anti-national elements’ backs have been shattered. In addition, we must recognise that the struggle is far from done, “he said. Patriotic people in this country have done a lot of damage to Pakistan and the terrorism it has fostered, but terrorists do not miss opportunities to strike back. That is why we must be vigilant in our efforts to put an end to terrorism. Sant Dinesh Bharti got the collective determination to make the area free from terrorism and to always be attentive in the battle against terrorism by bringing this sentiment to the attention of those present at the meeting.
