Tribute paid to martyrs of anti-Mandal Commission agitation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 21: General Category People’s Front (GCPF) here today organized a Shradhanjali Samaroh and paid rich tribute to young martyrs of anti-Mandal Commission agitation of 1990.
Candles were lit in the loving memory of martyrs and floral tribute were paid to them and their portraits were garlanded amidst the recitation of Gayatri Mantra under the guidance of Raj Kumar Banathia, Front Chairman.
Speaking on the occasion, S.N Sharma, Front general secretary said that young martyrs (students) sacrificed their lives for Nation’s unity and integrity and against divisive politics of caste and class and we should not allow their sacrifices go waste.
Telling a brief history, Jagdish Dogra, Front advisor said on the implementation of outdated Mandal Commission Report, protests were organized by the student community against reservation of jobs based on caste which escalated and Rajiv Goswami of Desh Bandhu College in South Delhi self-immolated in protest after which thousands of youth took to streets.
“These protests were marked by widespread violence and clashes with the Police,” he maintained.
Prof. Yash Paul Sanson, Front president alleged misuse of stringent SC/ST Atrocities Act to settle personal grudges.
A two minute silence was observed and all prayed for eternal peace to the young martyrs.
Dr. Bansi Lal, V.K Sharma, Deepika Khajuria, Ravi Sahni, Surinder Kumar, Kewal Sharma, Bhushan Pargal, Gopal Dass Verma and others were also present on the occasion.