Srinagar, Oct 26: Minister of State (MoS) and Chairperson J&K Waqaf Board Dr Darakshan Andrabi on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with the Union of India was comprehensive and unalterable, aligning with the choices made by princely states in other regions of India post-independence.
“Maharaja Hari Singh’s decision to sign the Instrument of Accession was a bold and visionary step that fills the people of Jammu and Kashmir with pride, marking them as an integral part of the world’s largest democracy,” she said.
On the eve of Accession Day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a vibrant celebration at its Jawahar Nagar headquarters in Srinagar. The event, organised by Minority Morcha, Yuva Morcha, Kisan Morcha, and ST Morcha, brought together hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds to commemorate the monumental significance of October 26. It was on this day that Jammu and Kashmir formally became an integral part of India.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Andrabi highlighted the profound historical importance of Accession Day. She reminded the audience of the historic moment on October 26, 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession. This monumental step was wholeheartedly endorsed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, culminating in the formal merger of the state of Jammu & Kashmir with India, she said.
Dr Darakhshan urged the attendees, especially the local youth, to actively engage in educating the masses about the day’s historical significance. She emphasised the importance for every citizen to take pride in the progress and development witnessed in the region since accession. She called for the day to be celebrated as a festival, with each individual pledging to protect the state’s unity and integrity against any forces attempting to sever its connection with the rest of India.
