Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 24: Former minister and senior Congress leader, Yogesh Sawhney today demanded to declare a public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh as a sign of respect and tribute to the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a press statement here Sawhney stated that Maharaja Hari Singh is a beloved legacy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP Government must not hurt the sentiments of people by denying this demand that has been growing for years. Maharaja Hari Singh was born on September 23, 1895 and the Yuva Rajput Sabha has been protesting against the BJP Government since many years demanding that September 23rd is declared as a holiday. However, the wishes of the people have fell on deaf ears, Sawhney said.
PCC leader further said that the demand of people for the declaration of a holiday comes from the immense love and respect people continue to hold for one of the most important historical figures in J&K’s history. It is not about the holiday but about a symbolic gesture to keep alive the memory and legacy of a great ruler. Maharaj Hari Singh during his tenure brought many reforms for the welfare of people, and the Government will do his memory a great disservice by ignoring the genuine demand of people for a simple sign of respect.
He said Government has not been fair to the memory and legacy of the ruler as this simple demand has been ignored for years and years. The BJP Government must respect the emotions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and realise that people hold deep attachment to history and need the manifestation of their love for Maharaja Hari Singh in the form of this small tribute.
Sawhney said he extended complete support to the Yuva Rajput Sabha in their demand for a holiday on the Maharaja’s birth anniversary. Despite the promises of the Government, it is clear from their policies that people of Jammu and Kashmir have been ignored and neglected from time to time. However, the Government must not procrastinate on this issue further or ignore it, as it relates to the cultural sentiments of the people. It is strongly urged the Government to immediately declare holiday on September 23rd as a tribute to the Maharaja, he added.
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