In Jammu and Kashmir, amidst the rising political tensions over observing July 13 as Martyrs’ Day, all eyes are on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to see if he will allow political leaders to commemorate the day at the historic Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar. This year marks the first observance of the day under the newly elected government led by the National Conference, which has formally requested the reinstatement of July 13 as a public holiday.
In Kashmir’s regional politics, Martyrs’ Day holds profound historical significance, commemorating the sacrifice of 22 civilians who were killed during protests against the Dogra regime in 1931. Before the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the day was officially recognized with state ceremonies and a public holiday. However, since then, the LG led administration has scrapped the holiday and restricted access to the graveyard for political leaders on this particular day.
Several political figures were placed under house arrest last year on this day to prevent them from visiting the graveyard in downtown Srinagar. NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, who now serves as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, vowed that such restrictions would not continue. Last year, he posted on social media, “This is the last year they will be able to do this. From next year, we will mark July 13 with the solemnity and respect this day deserves.”
NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, in a letter to the District Magistrate of Srinagar, has requested security arrangements for party leaders wishing to visit the graveyard on July 13. The NC has also sought official recognition of both July 13 and December 5-Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary as public holidays.
National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said that his party will definitely go to the martyrs’ graveyard on July 13 to pay tribute to the martyrs. He added that their government will also restore the holiday on July 13, regardless of the BJP’s opposition to this decision.
Other regional parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and JK Apni Party (JKAP), have joined the call for an official ceremony to honor Martyrs’ Day. JKAP President Altaf Bukhari said, “The elected government should restore the official ceremony to pay tributes on July 13.”
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti expressed skepticism about the NC’s efforts, suggesting that their legislative bill in the assembly proposing for reinstating holidays would have been more credible had it received support from the Assembly Speaker. “Today’s exercise looks more like lip service than any serious effort,” she said in a statement.
As the date approaches, uncertainty looms over whether political leaders will be allowed to pay their respects at the Martyrs’ Graveyard or if the LG administration will impose restrictions like last year’s. The outcome will definitely set the tone high for regional politics in Jammu and Kashmir over this issue.
Also Read: West Bengal: TMC Leader Rajjak Khan Shot And Hacked To Death In Bhangar, Probe Underway
