CM Dhami pays tribute to Khatima firing martyrs
Garhwal Post Bureau
Khatima (US Nagar), 1 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today participated in a tribute programme in Khatima in memory of the statehood agitationists who were martyred during the Uttarakhand movement. He offered floral wreaths at the statues of the martyrs of the Khatima firing incident and honoured their families by presenting ceremonial cloths to them.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the CM said that this day is meant to remember the supreme sacrifice of Bhagwan Singh Sirola, Pratap Singh, Rampal, Salim Ahmad, Gopichand, Dharmanand Bhatt and Paramjit Singh, who had laid down their lives in the struggle for a separate state. He added that every citizen of Uttarakhand would remain indebted to these brave sons.
Recalling his own experiences connected with the movement, Dhami said the Khatima firing gave a new direction to the agitation for a separate Uttarakhand and inspired people to carry forward the fight for their rights. He emphasised that building Uttarakhand in line with the dreams of the agitationists would be the true tribute to them.
He described Khatima as the land of penance for the state movement and said it would not be an exaggeration to call it the birthplace of the agitation. Remembering the struggle for statehood, he pointed out that incidents in Khatima, Mussoorie and Rampur Tiraha had written Uttarakhand’s history in blood. The state was not achieved easily or as a gift, but through the struggle, sacrifice and dedication of countless agitationists.
Dhami claimed that the government is continuously working to realise the ideals and dreams of the movement. Ten per cent horizontal reservation in government jobs is being provided to the identified agitationists and their dependents under the Uttarakhand State Movement Identified Agitationists or Their Dependents Reservation in Government Service Act, 2023.
He also shared that the monthly pension for dependents of martyred agitationists has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,500. Those injured or jailed during the movement are being given Rs 7,000 per month, while active agitationists are receiving Rs 5,500. Identified agitationists are also being issued identity cards and provided free travel in government buses.
Highlighting the role of women, Dhami said the contribution of women was crucial in the movement for a separate state. In recognition of this, 30 per cent horizontal reservation in government jobs has been implemented for women in the state.
The CM said that the government has taken several historic decisions for overall development and public interest. More than 34,000 youngsters have been given government jobs in the past five years through a transparent recruitment process.
Dhami added that the government is committed to protecting the cultural values and original identity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Stringent anti‑conversion and anti‑riot laws have been enforced, and over 13,000 acres of government land has been freed from encroachment through campaigns.
Nainital MP Ajay Bhatt, Khatima MLA Bhuvan Kapri and Nanakmatta MLA Gopal Singh Rana also addressed the gathering on this occasion. Among those present included Ajay Maurya, MLA Shiv Arora, Ramesh Chand Joshi, Subhash Barthwal, Anil Kapoor ‘Dabbu’, Kishan Singh Kinna, Gambhir Singh Dhami, Hukam Singh Kunwar, DM Nitin Singh Bhadauria and SSP Ajay Ganpati.
