Udham Singh Nagar: On the 31st anniversary of the tragic Khatima firing incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a pension of ₹30 lakh for the widows of those who lost their lives during the historic agitation for statehood.
The announcement came during a tribute programme held in memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives in the 1994 Khatima firing — a defining moment in Uttarakhand’s journey toward becoming a separate state.
“We Will Always Be Liable to the Martyrs”: CM Dhami
Speaking at the event, CM Dhami reaffirmed the state’s commitment to honoring those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle.
“We will always be liable to those who sacrificed their lives for the attainment of Uttarakhand statehood… We have provided a pension of ₹30 lakh to the widows of these martyrs,” he said.
He recalled how the Khatima incident inspired many — including himself — to commit to the cause of Uttarakhand’s statehood, instilling in the youth a desire to fight for their rights.
A Dark Chapter Remembered
The Khatima firing occurred on September 1, 1994, when police opened fire on peaceful protestors demanding statehood for Uttarakhand, leading to the deaths of seven agitators. The very next day, another tragic incident — the Massoorie firing — resulted in the deaths of six more people, this time by the Provincial Armed Constabulary.
Support for Martyrs’ Families and Broader Reforms
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s efforts to support the families of martyrs:
- Free education in schools and colleges for children of the martyrs
- Implementation of anti-terrorism laws in the state
- Dissolution of the Madrasa Education Board
- Launch of Operation Kalanemi to take strict action against those who defame Sanatana culture
- Emphasis on environmental conservation and protecting the Himalayas
Honoring the Legacy
During the programme, CM Dhami also extended honors to the dependents of the martyrs and other state agitators, recognizing their invaluable role in Uttarakhand’s creation.
“Let us all take a pledge to protect the Himalaya and environmental conservation,” Dhami urged the public, linking the historical struggle to the region’s cultural and ecological identity.
