CM pays tributes to statehood martyrs at Rampur Tiraha Memorial
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rampur Tiraha (Muzaffarnagar), 2 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a programme organised at the Shaheed Sthal, Rampur Tiraha, Muzaffarnagar (UP), to commemorate the martyrs of the Uttarakhand Statehood movement, today. The CM paid floral tributes at the martyrs’ memorial and recalled the supreme sacrifices of the statehood activists on this occasion.
During the event, the CM also declared that a comprehensive Master Plan would be prepared for the redevelopment of the Rampur Tiraha Martyrs’ Memorial. The project would include the upgradation of the museum to enhance its grandeur, the construction of a canteen, and the setting up of a designated bus stop for Uttarakhand-bound buses.
Recalling the firing incident on the orders of then UP Government, Dhami said that the Rampur Tiraha firing incident of 2 October 1994 would always remain etched in history as the darkest and most tragic chapter of the Uttarakhand movement. He observed that the memory of that brutal firing and the inhuman atrocities inflicted upon women continues to send shivers down the spine of every resident of Uttarakhand. He remarked that those entrusted with the protection of the people had crossed all limits of violence and barbarity in their attempt to crush a peaceful agitation. He underlined that this day would forever remind the people that the foundation of Uttarakhand was sustained with the blood of its martyrs.
Dhami asserted that the attainment of a separate state could be achieved only because of the sacrifice, penance, and unwavering dedication of the statehood activists. He assured that his government is committed to realising the vision of the activists by building a prosperous Uttarakhand of their dreams. For their welfare and that of their dependants, the State Government has implemented 10 per cent horizontal reservation in jobs. Families of the martyred activists are being provided a monthly pension of Rs 3,000, while activists injured or jailed during the movement are receiving Rs 6,000 per month, and activists, Rs 4,500 per month. In addition, identity cards have been issued to recognised activists, 93 of them have been given government service, and free travel facilities are being extended to them on government buses.
The CM further acknowledged the crucial contribution of Matri Shakti (women power) in the statehood agitation and noted that, in recognition of their role, 30 per cent horizontal reservation for women has been implemented in government jobs. He also reminded that to permanently commemorate the support extended by the local people during the Rampur firing, Jan Milan Kendras have been established at Rampur, Sisona, Meghpur, and Baghonwali. A statue of the late Mahavir Sharma, who had donated land for the martyrs’ memorial, has also been installed at the site to immortalise his contribution.
He further stated that Uttarakhand has become the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure equal rights and duties for all citizens. He pointed out that a stringent anti-copying law had been enacted, resulting in over 24,000 youth securing government jobs in the past four years. He emphasised that the government is committed to preserving the demography of Devbhoomi, for which a strict anti-conversion law has been enforced. More than 9,000 acres of government land have been freed from encroachment, and a tough anti-riot law has also been implemented. He also reminded that a decision has been taken to abolish the Madrasa Board by enacting a new law, under which only those madrassas following the government-prescribed syllabus will be permitted to function in the state from 1 July 2026. He also mentioned that continuous stringent action is being undertaken through ‘Operation Kalnemi’ against those attempting to malign Sanatan culture.
Among those present on the occasion included PWD and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Ministers Anil Kumar and Kapil Dev, former MP Sanjiv Baliyan, Roorkee MLA Pradeep Batra, Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar, Jhabrera MLA Virendra Jati, Lal Batti holders Madhu Bhatt, Rajendra Anthwal, and Shobharam Prajapati, Secretary Yugal Kishore Pant, Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, Senior Superintendent of Police, Haridwar, Pramendra Dobhal, statehood agitationists and several other dignitaries.
