‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ was awakening call 55 years ago: JKNPP

Jammu, January 12, 2021: The National Panthers Party with several other political activists, intellectuals, lawyers and others paid rich tributes to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister of India on his 55^th death anniversary, who died on January 11, 1966 in Tashkent immediately after signing a peace agreement with Pakistan. Prof.Bhim Singh, Chief Patron of NPP who had just qualified as a lawyer from Aligarh Muslim University had an opportunity to call on Shastri ji at his official residence in New Delhi in connection with the problems, the people in J&K were facing. Prof.Bhim Singh submitted a memorandum to Shastri ji urging direct intervention by the Prime Minister to work out a genuine resolution to ensure the delivery of justice and extension of rule of law in J&K. Prof.Bhim Singh was facing arrest warrants against him by J&K government and he had submitted a long memorandum to the then Prime Minister of India which was published in full by Blitz weekly newspaper from Bombay. Shastri ji advised Bhim Singh to wait in New Delhi with his colleague Member of Parliament in South Block till he returns from Tashkent.

Shastri ji died and it was a great surprise for the people of the world and the country. It was a long history which deserves special attention of the political leadership of India in particular. Prof.Bhim Singh left Delhi after the death of Shastri ji and was detained in Jammu. He remained under detention for more than seven months in the Special Jail at Canal Road, Jammu which was raised for Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah.

Prof.Bhim Singh said that India is passing through an upheaval situation internationally, nationally, politically, socially and other circumstances. The Covid-19 has instilled the fear of life in the heart of the citizens. War like situation in the country threatening the peace and security of the nation and its residents. In such a situation one remembers one of the greatest leaders of India among which Lal Bahadur Shastri’s name became immortal. He was the one who tried to establish peace through talking to international forces and giving the priority to kisans and defenders of the country i.e. our soldiers. He raised the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, which is most relevant in today’s situation. Prof. Bhim Singh said that he has a great opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri on the situation in J&K. Yesterday, the nation paid tributes on his 55^th death anniversary. Today we need to look after our soldiers and farmers (kisans), this slogan is more relevant today than it sounded 55 years’ ago.

Shastri ji was rearest of the rear politician in India in honesty, dedication & commitment to the national cause whose mission was to serve the nation at every cost least caring for his personal interest or welfare. His message to the youth and new generation shall be a great source of inspiration to make India great and strong. This was the resolution adopted unanimously in a special meeting of the Panthers Party activists in J&K late last evening.

Prof. Bhim Singh reminded the Young Panthers about the greatness of the second Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri who had bank balance almost nil at the time of his death and his family were living in an ordinary rented house.