Amid solemn reflections and public tributes, Assam marks the Assam Emergency anniversary, remembering 50 years since the 1975–77 Emergency. Yesterday, June 26, saw the commencement of a three‑day observance by the BJP under the banner “Constitution Murder Day”, reflecting Assam’s renewed commitment to democratic values.
To know more, check out- What was India’s Emergency? – Historical overview
What is the Assam Emergency Anniversary?
A Dark Chapter Remembered
The Assam Emergency anniversary commemorates the period from June 25, 1975, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a state of Emergency, suspending civil liberties and press freedom. Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia reminded citizens, “The dark days inflicted upon the nation by the Congress party can never be forgotten. We shall never allow such days to return”
Observed as Constitution Murder Day
The event has been officially named Constitution Murder Day, echoing sentiments across the nation. Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the historic Emergency, stating, “Nation never bows down to dictatorship”, and declared June 25 to be Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.
How Assam Is Observing the Emergency Anniversary
Public Exhibitions & “Black Day” Ceremonies
At BJP headquarters in Guwahati, an exhibition opened with portraits and accounts of Emergency-era restrictions like press censorship and forced sterilizations. MLA Siddhartha Bhattacharya and leaders, including Saikia, inaugurated the display to spotlight democracy’s vulnerabilities.
Concurrently, in Haflong, a Black Day observation echoed across district offices of the BJP, with local leaders calling for vigilance against authoritarianism.
Honouring Loktantra Senanis
To mark the Assam Emergency anniversary, Assam’s government and BJP honoured surviving freedom fighters—Loktantra Senanis—who resisted the Emergency. These individuals suffered imprisonment or oppression when democratic rights were stifled.
Voices of Leadership & Civil Society
Assam Chief Minister’s Perspective
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the youth to remember the 1975 decree, asserting that those who “strangled the Constitution are trying to become its protector”. He called on the Congress to “extend unconditional apology” for the authoritarian rule.
Union-Level Recognition
At the national level, Prime Minister Modi’s cabinet passed a resolution honouring those who opposed the Emergency—a tribute to civilian courage across India.
Why the Assam Emergency Anniversary Matters Today
Lessons for Democracy
The Assam Emergency anniversary is both a remembrance and a caution. By recalling censorship, suppression, and political imprisonments, Assam’s leaders emphasise safeguarding constitutional freedoms.
Continued Relevance
In modern political contexts—with concerns over media freedoms and democratic checks—the reflections during this anniversary reaffirm Assam’s stance against authoritarianism.
How You Can Participate
Join Public Events
Attend exhibitions at the BJP headquarters or district halls to learn and engage in democracy-focused discussions.
Spread Awareness
Share factual posts with the hashtag #AssamEmergencyAnniversary to draw attention to democratic vigilance.
Support Surviving Defenders
Donate to NGOs supporting political prisoners and democracy defenders. Your help sustains the legacy of those who resisted authoritarian rule.
Stand united to protect liberty. Reflect, share, act. Democracy’s future depends on today’s vigilance.
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