JAMMU, Sep 25: Workers of the Dogra Front Shiv Sena (DFSS), led by party president Ashok Gupta, held a protest against the reported demand to cancel the public holiday observed on September 23 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh.
Addressing the protesters, Gupta criticised the reported demand attributed to National Conference MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi, alleging that it was also supported by other NC legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He termed the reported demand unfortunate and said it had hurt the sentiments of sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gupta said September 23 carries historical significance as the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, whose reign is associated with several social, educational and administrative reforms in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State.
He highlighted initiatives attributed to Maharaja Hari Singh, including measures against untouchability, promotion of education, compulsory and free primary education, agricultural reforms, promotion of women’s education, expansion of roads and healthcare infrastructure, and steps towards institutional and financial development.
Gupta said the organisation viewed any proposal to discontinue the holiday as an attempt to reduce the historical significance associated with the day. He urged the authorities to consider the sentiments of the people and retain the public holiday on September 23.
The protesters raised slogans in support of Maharaja Hari Singh and called upon the administration to take into account the historical significance of the occasion before taking any decision regarding the holiday.
The Dogra Front Shiv Sena also appealed to different sections of society to preserve and respect the historical heritage, traditions and cultural legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present during the protest were Abhishek, Bittu, Ganesh, Bantu, Prem, Kalu, Rampal, Naresh and Ram, besides other party workers and supporters.