By Dr Mookhi Amir Ali,
It is unfortunate that many in media or in politics or in public life allow 25th June to pass as an ordinary date. The 25th June is a date Indians must remember for on that date in 1975 Indira Gandhi declared the infamous emergency and followed it up with usurping the constitution of India, committed what was described as the daylight robbery of fundamental rights, including habeas corpus.
The word “committed judiciary” came in vogue for the first time. The supremacy of parliament over judiciary was established while the Parliament itself became subservient to one woman, the then Prime Minister of India. The radical 42nd amendment to the constitution was pushed through with hardly any debate. Unthinkable excesses were committed. Torture and death in custody are on record. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, Jai Prakash Narayan, all opposition leaders and all who did not toe the Indira-line were jailed. Media was gagged and flagrantly misused for the propaganda of “Hamari” Pradhan Mantri Shrimati Indira Gandhi and her son. The atmosphere of fear pervaded the nation. The country lived through a nineteen month nightmare.
The Bharatiya Janata Party took it upon itself to observe 25th of June as the Black Day to remind people of this crime against Indian democracy and its institutions. Arun Jaitley announced on 25thJune 2005 the party’s intention to hold rallies and functions to honour people who defied Indira and paid the price. These intentions have remained intentions only. One hopes that the BJP takes it up once again from this year. The International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO) observes the day as anti-repression day but its observance remains muted against the cacophony of Congress’s campaign of glorifying their goddess. It is ironical that Rahul Gandhi is the only Congressman of significance who has admitted that “excesses were committed during emergency and it was not good.” Under his leadership even now the Indian National Congress should observe 25th June as Repentance day. All Congressmen know they have a lot to repent for.