What Does CM Dhami Recall About the Rampur Tiraha Massacre?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rampur Tiraha massacre occurred on October 2, 1994.
- CM Dhami pays tribute to the martyrs of the statehood movement.
- Violence against peaceful protesters was condemned.
- Historical events remind the importance of self-respect for Uttarakhand.
- The government is committed to supporting the families of martyrs.
Muzaffarnagar, Oct 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Thursday honored the martyrs of the statehood movement during a ceremony at Shaheed Sthal, located at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
This event commemorated the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic police firing that occurred on October 2, 1994, amidst protests advocating for a separate state.
The Rampur Tiraha firing was an unprovoked police assault on defenseless statehood activists at the crossing in Muzaffarnagar, as they were en route to Delhi to organize a dharna at Raj Ghat on Gandhi Jayanti.
This incident resulted in the death of six activists, and numerous women were subjected to assault and molestation during the turmoil. At that time, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh was Mulayam Singh Yadav.
During his address, CM Dhami stated, "I pay homage to the immortal martyrs who laid down their lives for the establishment of Uttarakhand: Ravindra Rawat, Satinder Chauhan, Girish Bhadhri, Rajesh Lakhera, Surya Prakash Thapliyal, Ashok Keshav, Rajesh Negi, and others. Remembering the atrocities they endured sends chills through the spirit of every Uttarakhand resident."
He described the Rampur Tiraha firing as the "most brutal incident" of the statehood struggle, asserting, "Even today, the recollection of that horrific firing and the violation of women's dignity haunts every Uttarakhand resident."
CM Dhami criticized the previous Samajwadi Party government for its violence against peaceful protesters. "Those responsible for public protection turned to violence. The SP government's brutality against peaceful demonstrators left deep scars in the hearts of every Uttarakhand resident," he remarked.
The Chief Minister also referenced other police firing incidents that took place during the protests, such as in Khatima (September 1, 1994) and Mussoorie (September 2, 1994), stating, "The government’s attempts to silence the protests are unforgettable."
Speaking to journalists afterward, he noted that October 2, 1994, would forever be inscribed in "black letters" in Uttarakhand's history.
"It will constantly remind us of how our martyrs, our mothers, and sisters sacrificed their lives for Uttarakhand's self-respect. Their struggles will not be forgotten by future generations," he emphasized.
He reiterated that the creation of Uttarakhand was only achievable due to the sacrifices of the movement's activists.
"Our government is steadfastly dedicated to the welfare of the activists and the families of martyrs, taking every necessary step to safeguard their interests and honor," he concluded.