Kashmir Martyrs’ Day: A Day of Remembrance and Protest

Tomorrow, a complete shutdown will be observed in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir to mark Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, held annually on July 13. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called for the shutdown to underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute and to protest against Indian repression.

The day will include a march to the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar, where the martyrs of July 13, 1931, are buried. This act of remembrance honors those who sacrificed their lives during a protest against Dogra rule.

APHC leaders, including Chairman Masarrat Alam Butt, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, and Naeem Ahmad Khan, issued a joint statement from New Delhi’s Tihar Jail. They urged Kashmiris to honor the martyrs’ sacrifices by continuing the struggle for freedom from Indian occupation. They also called on religious leaders to remind people of their duty to protect their faith and identity from the Hindutva agenda.

The events of July 13, 1931, remain a significant chapter in Kashmir’s history. On that day, Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh’s troops killed 22 Kashmiris outside Central Jail in Srinagar. These killings occurred during court proceedings against Abdul Qadeer, who had called for resistance against Dogra rule. The martyrs were shot while trying to complete the call to prayer, highlighting the brutal repression of the time.

The Dogra period is considered one of the darkest times in pre-partition Kashmir due to the severe atrocities inflicted on Muslims. Remembering these sacrifices is crucial for continuing the struggle for self-determination and freedom from Indian occupation.

The APHC emphasizes that honoring the martyrs is essential to maintaining the spirit of resistance and striving for a just resolution to the Kashmir conflict. The shutdown and march serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle and the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of oppression.