Latest news with #Khatana
United News of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Our duty to remind the new generations of the Emergency: BJP MP
Srinagar, June 25 (UNI) BJP's Rajya Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Ali Khatana today said that the Emergency was a direct attack on the soul of democracy and it was their duty to remind the new generations of this "betrayal" of constitutional governance. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Khatana recalled the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which lasted for 21 months and saw a 'blatant suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, and democratic rights.' He termed it as the 'blackest period in independent India' and paid tribute to all those who resisted authoritarian rule and sacrificed their freedom to uphold the Constitution and democratic values. "The Emergency was a direct attack on the soul of our democracy. It is our duty to remind the new generations of this betrayal of constitutional governance," he said. "Today, we rededicate ourselves to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens, as envisioned by our Constitution makers." MP Khatana emphasised the role of BJP as the true guardian of democracy, tracing its ideological lineage to the Jana Sangh, which was at the forefront of the resistance movement during the Emergency. He also lauded the sacrifices made by thousands of party workers, social activists, and opposition leaders who were jailed, tortured, and silenced during this period. He further added that the observance of Emergency Day is not just an act of remembrance but also a warning against any future attempts to undermine democracy. Earlier BJP J&K organised a solemn programme in Srinagar on the 50 years after the Emergency. The event, organised by the BJP Senior Leader, DDC Srinagar Er. Aijaz Hussain, along with the BJP Lal Chowk Constituency, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of party members, karyakartas, and local leaders. Khatana was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Ashok Koul, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) J&K along with several leaders were also present on the occasion. Koul in his address said, BJP's commitment to protect the rights of citizens and to continue the mission of strengthening democracy across all corners of the nation, including Jammu & Kashmir. 'Today we remember those who stood up against injustice during the Emergency. We must ensure that such an undemocratic move is never repeated in the history of our nation, Koul added. UNI MJR SSP
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Discussed grave challenges posed by cross-border terrorism to India with Danish leaders, says Gulam Ali Khatana
Copenhagen: BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana on Saturday stated that the Indian delegates, currently in Denmark, engaged in meaningful discussions with Danish leaders and presented India's resolute stance on terrorism and the need for a unified fight to address the global menace of terrorism. Khatana, spokesperson of the BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit, is a part of the delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad. The leaders have conveyed India's stand in France, and Italy is currently in Denmark to present India's unwavering position against terrorism and its perpetrators. "Honoured to be part of the All Party Delegation of MPs, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, during our official visit to Denmark. We met Lars-Christian Brask, Deputy Speaker of the Danish Parliament, and briefed him on the heinous Pahalgam Terrorist Attack and India's firm response through Operation Sindoor. India's resolute stance against terrorism and the urgent need for a unified global fight to combat terror was strongly emphasised," Khatana posted on X on Saturday. The delegation also met a group of former officials, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and diplomat who carry an influential voice in Denmark and abroad. "We held insightful discussions with select former Members of Parliament, former Ministers, and a former diplomat, focusing on the grave challenges posed by cross-border terrorism to India, India's decisive response through Operation Sindoor, and broader global issues threatening peace and security," Khatana said in another post. The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. "India's strong condemnation of the terror attack in Pahalgam and resolute action taken in the form of Operation Sindoor formed the focus of briefings given by the Indian delegation to the Danish side. It clarified that India's warranted response through 'Operation Sindoor' was diplomatically measured and commensurate," read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Copenhagen. "The delegation emphasised India's zero-tolerance towards terrorism and stance that any act of violence would be responded to befittingly. India's appreciation of Denmark's public stance condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the expression of solidarity with India was conveyed to the Danish side during the meetings," the statement added. Furthermore, the delegation also met the local Indian diaspora in an interactive setting, emphasising Operation Sindoor's success and India's resolve to stand firm in our collective fight against terrorism. The delegates are a part of India's global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India's continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
'J&K returning to normalcy': BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana urges tourists to visit Valley
New Delhi: A month after the Pahalgam terror attack shook Jammu and Kashmir, BJP Rajya Sabha member Gulam Ali Khatana on Thursday claimed that the region has returned to normalcy and urged people from across India to visit and experience the hospitality of the Valley. Talking to IANS, Khatana said: "J&K has become normal. The hospitality of the people here is known worldwide." Referring to the recent attack in Pahalgam as a "horrific scene", he emphasised that such incidents should not recur. 'Hopefully, our security will ensure full protection so tourists can enjoy the beauty and warmth of Kashmir,' he added. Khatana, a member of the all-party delegations sent to various nations to highlight India's efforts against terrorism, underscored the significance of India's Operation Sindoor in dismantling terror infrastructure and exposing Pakistan's role in fostering cross-border terrorism. "We are presenting India's case globally and revealing how Pakistan has been contracting terrorism — be it in Punjab earlier, Kashmir for the past 25–30 years, or even in Afghanistan. It's a hostile state where democracy is strangled, and whose nuclear assets are unsafe. We urge international agencies, including the atomic watchdog agency, to take note," he told IANS. Khatana backed the Centre's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, stating that India stands united in the fight and Operation Sindoor is a strong testament to that resolve. On Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre, claiming that the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack are roaming freely in J&K and were involved in three other attacks in the last 18 months, he said: "These are matters for the Home and Defence Ministries - not the opposition's concern." On the other hand, Khatana welcomed former Union Minister Anand Sharma's support for Operation Sindoor and the government's diplomatic outreach. The Congress leader had lauded the move to send an all-party delegation abroad to present India's stance on terrorism. However, as a few leaders are criticising the government on Operation Sindoor, the MP said: "When people are rejected politically, frustration levels naturally rise."
