Facts related to the death of Syama Prasad Mookerjee in J&K should be released: BJP

BJP leader Tarun Chugh. File | Photo credit: PTI

The BJP on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) observed ‘Balidan Diwas’ in Srinagar to commemorate the death anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who died in a Jammu and Kashmir jail in 1953, and called for an “independent inquiry into his death”.

“Successive governments in Jammu and Kashmir have failed to explain the circumstances under which Mookerjee was arrested and died in custody in 1953. Under what law was Mookerjee detained? An independent inquiry into his death was never conducted. All facts related to the case will have to be made public. Who was responsible for his death?” asked BJP National General Secretary and Member of Parliament Tarun Chugh.

Mr. Chugh, who was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Sat Sharma and Member of Parliament Anirban Ganguly, made the announcement during the Remembrance Day at Tagore Hall in Srinagar. The BJP leader paid tribute to the sacrifices and vision of Mookerjee and highlighted his “enduring legacy in strengthening national unity”.

“Mookerjee fought for the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. The abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A on August 5, 2019 completed the integration process and fulfilled Mookerjee’s vision,” Mr Chugh said.

He asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to “clarify why information related to the case was not made public”. “The BJP will continue to seek answers on this matter,” Mr Chugh added.

In the 1947 tribal invasion, the BJP leader said Jammu and Kashmir witnessed massacres for days. “Thousands of residents, including Hindus, Kashmiri Pandits and Christians, were killed. Women were subjected to atrocities. Previous governments failed to adequately document and publicize the details of the events,” he added.

Demanding the release of archival records, Mr Chugh said the country should make public the events related to the 1947 invasion of Jammu and Kashmir.

Published – 23 Jun 2026 23:23 IST