Dhami Firing Tragedy | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

The Dhami Firing Tragedy is a significant event in the history of the people's struggle in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh, marking the first firing incident in the region.

Background

Dhami State was a small princely state under the rule of the Rana. The people of Dhami had three main demands:

1. Abolition of forced labor (Begar)
2. 50% reduction in taxes
3. Recognition and re-establishment of the Dhami Riyasati Prajamandal

Formation of Reform Organizations

• In response to these demands, the Prem Pracharani Sabha was established in 1937 for social and religious reforms.
• On 13 July 1939, this organization was transformed into the Dhami Riyasati Praja Mandal (DRPM) under the leadership of Shri Sita Ram, who presented the people's demands to the Rana of Dhami.

The Dhami Firing Incident (16 July 1939)

• On 16 July 1939, a group of 1500 people, led by Bhagmal Sautha, marched towards Dhami to present their demands to the Rana.
• Bhagmal Sautha was arrested at Ghanahatti, enraging the crowd.
• The people continued their march, and upon reaching Dhami, the Rana, panicked by the growing unrest, ordered the police to open fire on the protesters.
• In the firing, Uma Dutt and Durga Das were killed, and many others were injured.

National Response

• The firing incident drew national attention. Protesters sent letters to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, informing them of the brutal repression in Dhami.
• A delegation, including Sita Ram, Bhaskar Nand, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, met with Gandhiji to raise awareness of the situation in the hill state.

Inquiry and Formation of Committee

• In response, Jawaharlal Nehru sent Shanti Swaroop Dhawan to investigate the incident. Dhawan met with the Rana and the people of Dhami to gather information.
• On 30 July 1939, a non-official inquiry committee was formed, headed by Lala Dooni Chand Ambalvi, with members Dev Suman and Shyam Lal Khanna. The committee provided a report to Nehru with the following recommendations:
  1. High Court judge investigation into the firing incident.
  2. Punishment for those responsible for the unprovoked firing.
  3. Improvement in the local civil administration.