Sacrifices of Hiranagar martyrs led to J&K’s complete integration with India: Dr Jitendra

Jammu, Jan 11: Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that the sacrifice of Hiranagar martyrs led to Jammu and Kashmir’s total integration with the Indian Union while the abrogation of Article 370 marked the culmination of a long-fought battle and the realisation of Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s vision of “One Nation, One Constitution”.
Dr Singh said this after paying homage to the martyrs at Hiranagar who laid down their lives during the agitation for the abrogation of Article 370.
He said that the movement, which demanded the abrogation of Article 370, witnessed sacrifices that inspired generations.
The Union Minister highlighted the unprecedented development J&K has witnessed since the abrogation of Article 370 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership:
“New medical colleges, industrial biotech parks and major infrastructure projects are the signs of J&K’s transformation and development. These projects are not just about economic growth but they also symbolise the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India’s development narrative,” he said.
Dr Jitendra said the historical struggle was led by Praja Parishad, under the leadership of Pt Prem Nath Dogra, who later also served as the National President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and was a close associate of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
“We cannot repay the debt of their sacrifices, but their courage has guided subsequent generations to persevere relentlessly until the constitutional redemption came under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he said.
The Modi government, he said, ensured that all border residents, including those in Pakistan, are treated equally and receive their rightful entitlements.
Dr Singh lauded the role of organisations and individuals in ensuring that the memory of the martyrs remains alive. “Their sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s Jammu & Kashmir and It is now our responsibility to honour their legacy by contributing to the nation’s progress,” he said.
The BJP leader credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for bringing Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream media narrative after 2014, highlighting issues like cross-border firing and the plight of border residents.
Former minister Sat Sharma, senior leader Thakur Ranjit Singh, MLAs Vijay Sharma, Dr Manyal and Dr Bharat Bhushan and other leaders and members were present on the occasion.