State joins observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, June 25 2025: Former chief minister N Biren on Wednesday said the emergency of 1975 was one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history.

He called upon people to take a pledge to never let democracy be held hostage as the emergency was a ruthless assault on the constitution.

In a post on X, Biren said, "On this day, 25th June, we mark 50 years since one of the darkest chapters in India's democratic history, the Emergency of 1975.Imposed by the then Congress government, the Emergency was a ruthless assault on our Constitution, on civil liberties, on press freedom, and on the very soul of democracy.

Censorship ruled the day, and fear ruled the night" .

State joins observance of Samvidhan Hatya Diwas

He said, "The Emergency reminds us that democracy is not just a system, but a sacred responsibility.

Today, let us take a pledge to never let democracy be held hostage.

Never again shall India bend to tyranny" .

BJP Manipur unit in a separate post also said "Salute to every voice raised protesting the darkest chapter of Indian democracy and politics.

Emergency 25 June, 1975" .

Meanwhile, the formal commemorative event of 50 years of Emergency was organised by Department of Art & Culture on Wednesday as "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" at the Palace Compound auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).

The event was held to reflect on the historical implications of the Emergency imposed in 1975 and to reaffirm the values of democracy and patriotism.

As chief guest of the observance function, additional chief secretary (finance) Vivek Kumar Dewangan highlighted that it was on this day, 50 years ago - June 25, 1975 - that a nationwide Emergency was declared in India, marking a period characterised by the suspension of civil liberties, the undermining of constitutional protections, and the unprecedented concentration of executive power.

He elaborated on the suspension of fundamental rights during the Emergency, noting the widespread arrests of student leaders, social activists, political dissenters, and journalists across the country.

The press, he added, suffered severe censorship, resulting in a significant curtailment of freedom of expression.

Dewangan informed the gathering that June 25 has been officially recognised as "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" by the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government institutions to commemorate the imposition of the Emergency and to pay tribute to those who suffered during that period.

The screening of a short film on democracy and patriotism, along with brief speeches by individuals affected by the 1975 Emergency, were the main highlights of the event.

A dance performance choreographed on the themes of democracy and patriotism by the Government Dance College was also showcased as part of the event.

In Jiribam, the district administration observed "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas" at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner's office.

The event, led by DC Krishna Kumar, was attended by officials and staff of the DC office along with personnel from other line departments.

As part of a nation-wide initiative guided by the National Implementation Committee, the commemoration will be carried out in three phases - Phase I on June 25, 2025, Phase II on March 21, 2026, and Phase III on June 25, 2026 .

Activities across these phases will include awareness programmes on the Constitution, exhibitions highlighting national heritage, patriotic song and dance presentations, and ceremonial Yatras featuring approved placards and the national flag (Tiranga), with widespread public participation from across the district.

The programme was attended by Th Manoranjan Singh, additional deputy commissioner, Jiribam; Laishram Tarajeet Singh, SDO Jiribam/Borobekra; and RK Sailash Singh, BDO, Borobekra, among others.

Tamenglong district administration also observed 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' at DC conference hall, mini secretariat, Tamenglong headquarters on Wednesday.

Tamenglong DC Dr L Angshim, ADM Chunglemang Kipgen, SP Lanmiyo Luikham, ADC CEO Kachamthai F Gangmei, SDC Savio Daimai and other district level officers and CRPF officials attended the commemoration event, being conducted in three phases.

During these three phases, different activities will be taken up such as awareness on the Constitution, exhibitions on national heritage, presentation of patriotic songs/dance along with large scale participation of public from different parts of the district and ceremonial Yatras carrying approved placards and Tiranga.