Jammu, September 13 (Scoop News)-The BJP Kashmir Displaced District (KDD), led by its president Rajeev Pandita, today organized a programme at the party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, to mark the 37th martyrdom day (Shaheedi Divas) of Amar Shaheed Tika Lal Taploo.
Floral tributes were paid to the legendary leader in the presence of prominent leaders, intellectuals, and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
BJP J&K President Sat Sharma led the gathering in paying heartfelt tributes. A two-minute silence was observed to honour all martyrs of the nation, including the armed forces, paramilitary personnel, and J&K Police who laid down their lives for the unity and security of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Sat Sharma described Shaheed Tika Lal Taploo and Pt. Prem Nath Bhat as towering nationalist leaders who became victims of the battle for India’s unity and integrity that was pioneered by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He said their sacrifices, along with those of countless patriots, have made India a strong and respected nation across the globe. He said that it is because of their supreme contributions that the present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was able to take bold historic steps such as the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, thereby setting Jammu and Kashmir firmly on the path of peace and prosperity.
Reiterating BJP’s commitment to the displaced Kashmiri community, Sat Sharma assured that the party stands shoulder to shoulder with them and will continue to strive for resolution of their long-pending grievances. “The sacrifices of Taploo Ji and other martyrs will always inspire us to safeguard nationalism and to work tirelessly for the safe and dignified rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus in the Valley,” he added.
BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul paid rich tributes, stating that the two Kashmiri Pandit leaders foresaw the dangers ahead and stood like an iron shield in defense of the minority community until their last breath. He explained that how Tika Lal Taploo ji worked in the extreme conditions and asked all to draw inspiration from his life.
Former MLC and party spokesperson Girdhari Lal Raina emphasized that every year on September 13, the community remembers Taploo Ji and Pt. Prem Nath Bhat to draw inspiration for the continuing struggle against anti-national forces and for the eventual return to their homeland.
Chand Jee Bhat, District Prabhari KDD, said the martyrdom of Taploo Ji triggered the first wave of migration among Kashmiri Hindus, shaking the community to its core.
In his presidential address, Rajeev Pandita recalled that Taploo Ji’s assassination was a direct attempt to weaken the foundation of nationalism in Kashmir, but his martyrdom instead exposed the secessionist agenda. He reiterated KDD’s resolve to highlight the concerns of displaced Kashmiri Hindus across the country.
Prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders Moti Lal Malla (ASKPC), Ashok Ji Braroo (social activist), and K.K. Khosa (President, KP Sabha Amphalla) also shared their memories of Taploo Ji and paid tributes to all martyrs.
The tribute programme witnessed cultural presentations by youth volunteers of Sharika Foundation, including Jeevika Misri, who recited a poem dedicated to Taploo Ji, and Kartik Bhat, who presented a paper titled “Visthapan: Tents to Triumphs.” Families of two martyrs were also felicitated on the occasion.
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