JAMMU, Aug 17: In a deeply moving tribute to the towering legacy of Prof. Bhim Singh (17 August 1941 – 31 May 2022), founder and chief patron of the Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP), JKNPP bhim leaders, workers, admirers, and family members gathered at the party headquarters in Jammu to commemorate his birth anniversary as Haq-Insaf Divas.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion and pride as floral tributes were offered during the Shradhanjali Sabha, honouring the legendary political stalwart, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, and tireless champion of human rights whose entire life was dedicated to the pursuit of justice, equality, and public service.
Addressing the gathering, J&K National Panthers Party (Bhim) President Vilakshan Singh described Prof. Bhim Singh as an uncompromising political titan and jurist who never wavered in the face of adversity. He noted that Prof. Singh was a statesman of rare integrity whose relentless courtroom battles and grassroots activism made him a beacon of hope for undertrials, the oppressed, and marginalized sections of society across the country, adding that his passing has left an irreplaceable void in the socio-political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
Speakers recalled Prof. Singh’s monumental legal and political contributions spanning over five decades. As Executive Chairman of the State Legal Aid Committee and through landmark cases—including the historic Bhim Singh vs. State of J&K (1985)—he set enduring precedents for civil liberties and compensation against illegal detention, while securing the release of hundreds of languishing prisoners pro bono. He was also remembered for his steadfast opposition to discriminatory legislation, including the Resettlement Act and measures affecting the property and citizenship rights of women.
Vilakshan Singh appealed to the people of Jammu & Kashmir to rally behind the J&K National Panthers Party (Bhim) to realize the unfinished mission of Prof. Bhim Singh. Reaffirming the party’s commitment to secular values, regional empowerment, and constitutional justice, he emphasized that the party remains dedicated to safeguarding the rights and aspirations of every citizen in the Union Territory.
Other prominent leaders and well-wishers who paid heartfelt tributes at the event included Naresh Chib, Rajesh Gondhi, Sanju Bhagat, Rakesh Gupta, Naresh Sambyal, Sanjeev Verma, Rohit Sharma, Rajan Jamwal and others.