JAMMU, Jul 16: A joint protest was held on Wednesday in front of the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh in Jammu by Movement Kalki, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena, Rajput Ekta Manch, Shiv Sena (UBT), Ekkjutt Jammu, and several other social and nationalist organisations. The protesters raised slogans against the government, burnt an effigy of the Chief Minister, and reiterated their demand for a separate Jammu State.
The demonstrators alleged that floral tributes were not paid to Maharaja Hari Singh’s statue during a recent government programme related to the restoration of statehood held at Maharaja Hari Singh Park. They claimed that the omission had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and amounted to disrespect towards the Dogra ruler.
Addressing the gathering, Thakur Arjun Singh, Convenor of Movement Kalki, said Maharaja Hari Singh symbolises the identity, pride and heritage of the Dogra community. He alleged that any disrespect towards the former ruler was unacceptable and demanded that those responsible for making objectionable remarks, if any, should publicly apologise.
Rakesh Bajrangi of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal alleged that the recent developments had exposed the mindset of certain political leaders and urged the Central Government to take into account the sentiments of the people of Jammu before taking any major decision concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Manish Sahni, President of Shiv Sena (UBT), Jammu and Kashmir, alleged that remarks attributed to a National Conference leader had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and demanded a public apology. He also paid tribute to Brigadier Rajinder Singh and Dogra soldiers for their role in defending Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.
Ajay Singh Saini, President of Ekkjutt Jammu, alleged that Jammu had faced long-standing political and developmental discrimination and asserted that the demand for a separate Jammu State would continue until the region received justice and equal rights.
The speakers unanimously maintained that the creation of a separate Jammu State was the long-term solution to the region’s concerns. They appealed to the people of Jammu to remain united and continue their democratic struggle for dignity, equal rights and regional development.
The protest concluded with the burning of the Chief Minister’s effigy and slogans against the government. Representatives of the participating organisations, along with a large number of supporters and local residents, were present during the demonstration.