Deputy CM Chowna Mein Joins Governor in Observing ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’; Marks 50 Years Since the Emergency

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) : In a solemn observance held at DK Hall, Itanagar, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein joined Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd) in commemorating ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, marking 50 years since the declaration of Emergency on June 25, 1975, one of the most turbulent chapters in India’s democratic history.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy CM Chowna Mein described the Emergency as a stark reminder of how constitutional values can be undermined when authoritarianism replaces accountability.

“June 25, 1975, is not just a date; it is a powerful reminder that silence in the face of injustice can become complicity. The Emergency teaches us that while our Constitution is resilient, its spirit survives only when actively defended by citizens, institutions, and leaders,” he said.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Deputy CM reiterated that the Emergency remains an indelible blot on India’s democracy, born out of a misuse of power.

Highlighting its wide-reaching consequences, he remarked that even regions like Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the Northeast, though geographically distant from the national capital, were not spared. “Voices were silenced, laws were misused, and over 1.1 lakh people were arbitrarily detained from the entire country, including leaders from Assam and other northeastern states,” he noted.

“The Emergency is not just a historical incident; it is a warning, a responsibility, and a lesson. Fundamental rights are not privileges; they are the very bedrock of our democracy,” he said.

Deputy CM Mein also lauded the recent move by the Lok Sabha in June 2024 to formally condemn the Emergency and declare June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, ensuring that future generations never forget the dangers of constitutional subversion.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister Dasanglu Pul, Speaker Tesam Pongte, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, MLAs, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Mayor Tame Phassang, Secretary (Cultural Affairs) Mamata Riba, senior officials, students, and other distinguished guests.