Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a remembrance program in Khatima to honor the martyrs of the Khatima firing incident, a defining moment of the Uttarakhand statehood movement. According to our correspondent, CM Dhami paid floral tributes to Bhagwan Singh Siroli, Pratap Singh, Rampal, Salim Ahmed, Gopichand, Dharmanand Bhatt, and Paramjeet Singh, recalling their supreme sacrifice.
CM Dhami said the incident inspired countless people to continue the struggle for Uttarakhand’s identity and rights. “Every citizen of Uttarakhand remains indebted to these brave sons of the soil. The best tribute we can offer is to build the Uttarakhand of their dreams,” he said.
Pushkar Singh Dhami at a remembrance program in Khatima to honour the martyrs of the Khatima firing incident.
Our correspondent adds that the government has introduced several welfare schemes for statehood agitators and their families:
10% horizontal reservation in government jobs for statehood agitators and their dependents.
Monthly pensions: ₹3,000 for families of martyrs, ₹6,000 for injured and jailed agitators, and ₹4,500 for active agitators.
Special benefits extended to widows, divorced daughters, and dependents of recognized agitators under the new law.
93 recognized agitators have been appointed to government service.
Free travel facility for agitators in state-run buses.
Women’s Role and Empowerment
CM Dhami acknowledged the pivotal role of women in the statehood struggle and reaffirmed the government’s decision to provide 30% horizontal reservation for women in state government jobs.
Landmark Policy Achievements
The Chief Minister also highlighted key reforms under his government:
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The state introduced India’s toughest anti-copying law, helping over 24,000 youth secure government jobs.
Enforced strong anti-conversion and anti-riot laws to protect the state’s social and cultural demography.
Freed over 7,000 acres of government land from encroachment.
Environmental Responsibility
At the event, CM Dhami administered the oath of the Himalaya Bachao Abhiyan, stressing that protecting the fragile Himalayan environment is a shared responsibility of the people and the government.
Leaders and Public Participation
The program was attended by Union Minister Ajay Bhatt, MLA Bhuvan Kapri, District Panchayat Chairperson Ajay Maurya, senior officials, local representatives, and large numbers of statehood activists and citizens.
The program was attended by Union Minister Ajay Bhatt, MLA Bhuvan Kapri, District Panchayat Chairperson Ajay Maurya, senior officials, local representatives, and large numbers of statehood activists and citizens.
