CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Martyrs of Khatima Firing

Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday participated in a tribute program held in Khatima in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the Uttarakhand statehood movement. On this occasion, he offered floral tributes to the martyrs and also honored their dependents and other statehood activists.

The Chief Minister said that today is a day to remember the immortal martyrs of the Khatima firing—Bhagwan Singh Sirola, Pratap Singh, Rampal, Salim Ahmad, Gopichand, Dharmanand Bhatt, and Paramjeet Singh—who sacrificed everything for the movement. He added that every citizen of Uttarakhand will always remain indebted to these brave sons. Recalling his own experiences from the statehood movement, Dhami said this incident inspired people to intensify the struggle for Uttarakhand’s rights. “Our greatest tribute will be to build the Uttarakhand of their dreams,” he said.

The CM affirmed that the government is making every effort to realize the ideals and dreams of the statehood activists. He highlighted key initiatives:

• 10% horizontal reservation in state government jobs for activists and their dependents.
• ₹3,000 monthly pension for families of martyrs, ₹6,000 for injured activists or those jailed during the movement, and ₹4,500 for active participants.
• Benefits of reservation extended to divorced, widowed, or abandoned daughters of recognized activists under the new law.
• Identity cards issued to activists; 93 activists appointed in government service.
• Free travel facility in state-run buses for activists.

He emphasized the crucial role played by women in the statehood movement. Acknowledging their contribution, the state government has implemented 30% horizontal reservation for women in government jobs.

The Chief Minister also spoke of Uttarakhand’s historic reforms:

• First state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
• Enactment of the strictest anti-cheating law in the country, enabling over 24,000 youth to secure government jobs.
• Enforcing strong anti-conversion and anti-riot laws.
• Reclaiming over 7,000 acres of encroached government land.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to protect Uttarakhand’s unique demography and culture. On this occasion, he administered an oath to the gathering for the Save Himalaya Campaign, stressing that protecting the Himalayan environment is everyone’s responsibility.

Dignitaries present included MP Ajay Bhatt, District Panchayat President Ajay Maurya, MLA Bhuvan Kapri, Municipal Council Chairman Ramesh Chand Joshi, Minister of State Dr. Anil Kapoor Dabbbu, Subhash Barthwal, Farzana Begum, Block Chief Sarita Rana, Dan Singh Rawat, Nandan Singh Khadayat, Jeevan Singh Dhami, Gopal Singh Rana, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauriya, SSP Manikant Mishra, Vice Chairman District Development Authority Jai Kishan, DFO Himanshu Bagri, ADM Pankaj Upadhyay, along with many public representatives, statehood activists, and local residents.

(Information & Public Relations Department)