On the eve of Martyrs Day, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik called for collective efforts from all sections of society to secure rapid growth and development of the State on all fronts.
In his message on the occasion, “Governor observed thatJammu and Kashmir has always been known for its glorious pluralistic ethos andharmony and emphasised the crucial importance of maintaining unity andbrotherhood for ushering the State towards peace and prosperity,” an officialspokesman said.
Barring the Bharatiya Janata Party, the entire spectrum ofpolitical ideologies in Jammu and Kashmir observes July 13 as Martyrs Dayacross the State.
On this day in 1931, 22 Kashmiris were killed in firing bythe forces of the then Dogra ruler Hari Singh outside the central jail inSrinagar. The day, observed as a government holiday in J&K, marked aturning point in the long Kashmiri struggle against the Dogra autocratic ruleremembered for tyranny and discrimination.
The 22 martyrs were laid to rest in the premises of therevered shrine of Hazrat Khawja Naqshband Sahab shrine (RA) at Khajwabazar indowntown. The graveyard is popularly known as Martyrs Graveyard. Except BJP,rest of the political groups in the state including the National Conference,the Peoples Democratic Party and the Congress observe the day as Martyrs Dayand pay floral tributes at the graveyard.
function. Pic : Mubashir Khan/GK
National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and vicepresident Omar Abdullah paid glowing tributes to 1931 martyrs.
Farooq said in a statement: “1931 stands out as a milestonein the history of Jammu & Kashmir. It was a fight of tyrannized againsttyrants, of the oppressed against the oppressors. The day paved the way for amore organized struggle against the autocratic and oligarchic rule. It was thenwhen one of the dying martyrs that had asked Sher-e-Kashmir: I have done myduty, now you proceed. Sher e Kashmir fearlessly carried forward the sacredmission of the martyrs unto his last breath. It is now for the coming generations to carry forward the mission ofthose martyrs. The notable contribution of the martyrs of 1931 shall beremembered for all the times to come. On this day I pay my glowing tributes toeach one of them. I salute their supreme sacrifice.”
Party vice president while paying tributes said: “It was aday of political awakening in Jammu & Kashmir. A great landmark in ourhistory, the uprising of 1931, was reflective of growing politicalconsciousness in our people. The martyrsof 1931 will continue to be a beacon of humanity’s struggle for justice anddignity. I pay my earnest tributes to the martyrs.”
Former Chief Minister and president Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday paid glowing tributes to July 13 martyrs andsaid that with their blood these 22 pious souls wrote a new chapter in thestate`s history.
In her message, Mehbooba said that best tribute to themartyrs of July 13 will be to keep striving for strengthening the institutionsof democracy, justice and fair play.
She said that on this day we must resolve to rise above selfand help in creating a tolerant society where everyone can grow in a freedemocratic atmosphere. “Let us all come together to develop a virtuous societywhich is just and guided by principles of secular democratic temperament. This is what the brave heroes of July 13,1931 taught us by laying down their lives against suppression and autocracy,”Mehbooba said.
Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone while payinghomage to the martyrs of 13th July 1931, has pledged to carry forward theirsacred struggle for empowering the traditionally disempowered Kashmiri and makehim the master of his own destiny.
“The movement against the monarchy was started and led bythe people of Kashmir, who immortalised their courageous fight by rendering theultimate sacrifice of their lives. Their valiant struggle in 1931 was forchange, a struggle against monarchy, oppression and feudal repression. Ourstruggle today is for change as well – against murderous and treacherousdynasties that left the monarchy well behind in their unquenchable thirst tokill, imprison and humiliate Kashmiris. The dream of Change that PeoplesConference stands committed to is inspired from the spirit of Change that wasnurtured and sown by the martyrs in 1931”, he said.
Sajad said that the souls of the martyrs of 1931, whorendered the heroic sacrifice would be dismayed to know that their fightagainst injustice was miscarried to abort the movement of change and wasinstead “manipulated to effect the replacement of a monarchy by brutal,ruthless anti-Kashmir political dynasties that went on to plunder the state.”
President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM) ShahFaesal has paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of 13th July.
In a message on the occasion of Youm-e-Shuhada, Shah Faesalsaid they laid down their lives against a regime of oppression and tyranny.
He said sacrifices of the valiant martyrs shall continue toserve as a beacon light for the people of the state especially the youth tofight for their rights, dignity and justice.
He said it was sincerity of their mission that their sacrificesare being still remembered by the people of the state with the same respect andspirit as 8 decades ago.
On this occasion Chairman JKPM Javaid Mustafa Mir alsoreiterated the resolve to fight for the cause of the people of the state andagainst injustices meted out to its people. He said restoration of peace in therestive state and safeguarding the honour and dignity of its people was thesacred mission of JKPM which shall be pursued as an act of faith.
The J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President G.A. Mir has paid glowing tributes to Martyrs of 1931 recalling their sacrificesfor the prestige and honour of the people
Remembering martyr’s of 1931, JKPCC President G. A. Mir saidthe sacrifices of Martyrs will continue to inspire the generations leading themat the path of harmony, brotherhood and unity in JK.
“They fought against injustice suppression and oppression,laid down their lives for justice and equality,” Mir added and said the martyrsgave their blood to end autocratic rule which will always be remembered andrespected.
Mir paid his respects and glowing tributes to the martyrs.
The BJP, however, stated that it won’t observe July 13 asmartyrs day. “In Jammu and Kashmir, there are many role models like SheikhMuhammad Abdullah, who was popular in Kashmir and Maharaja Hari Singh wasfamous in Jammu region,” said BJP’s state spokesman Altaf Thakur. He said BJPwill not observe July 13 as a martyrs day.