Pathania contests distorted narratives on Martyrs Day

UDHAMPUR: BJP leader and MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania today strongly objected to what he termed as the deliberate distortion of history by projecting and commemorating communal riots of July 13, 1931, as "Martyrs' Day", saying such narratives are divisive and an affront to the centuries-old Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing media persons, Pathania said the events of July 13, 1931, were essentially communal riots in which loss of innocent lives and properties was found. And those who incited violence, as well as those who attempted to shield the rioters, were subsequently glorified as "martyrs" for political reasons. "For decades, a false narrative has been propagated by vested interests by portraying the communal riots of 1931 as 'Martyrs' Day'. Such attempts distort history and undermine the spirit of communal harmony that has always characterised Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Pathania referred to the findings of the Glancy Commission, constituted in the aftermath of the 1931 incidents, and maintained that historical events must be viewed objectively rather than through a politically motivated prism. The MLA also took strong exception to sections of the media referring to Maharaja Hari Singh as an "autocratic ruler". He described the Maharaja as one of the most progressive rulers of his time who ushered in landmark social and administrative reforms. "He promoted girls' education, opened temples and public wells to Harijans, established hospitals, developed highways, protected forests from encroachment and laid the foundations of modern governance in Jammu and Kashmir by creating the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service and Police Service," Pathania said. He further recalled that Maharaja Hari Singh had immense affection for Dal Lake, which he described as the "heart of Kashmir". He also highlighted that the Maharaja established Radio Kashmir Jammu, with the inaugural broadcast comprising the Maharaja's own address. "We shall firmly oppose every attempt to distort history, create unnecessary divisions and vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir. Truth must prevail over politically manufactured narratives," Pathania asserted. Meanwhile, accompanied by former DDC Member Puran Chand, senior BJP leaders Purshottam Gupta and Madan Lal, besides local Sarpanches, Pathania informed that the long-pending issue of waterlogging on Dhar Road is now being addressed on a permanent basis. He said a high-level coordination meeting involving the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Commandant 71 Sub Area, Commander BRTF, officers from the Police, Revenue Department, Railways and other concerned agencies was held today to finalize a comprehensive strategy for effective drainage of accumulated rainwater. As part of the action plan, two high-capacity dewatering pumps have been procured for immediate evacuation of stagnant water. While desilting of drains and water channels will be undertaken shortly to restore their flow and prevent future waterlogging. Pathania expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of all departments would ensure a lasting solution to the recurring problem and provide much-needed relief to the residents and commuters using Dhar Road.