The ruling National Conference and other regional parties in Kashmir have started preparations to commemorate Martyrs' Day on July 13 in Kashmir and informed the administration to make necessary arrangements for the event.
However, it remains unclear whether the administration will allow any political representatives to pay floral tributes at the Martyrs' Graveyard at Khwaja Bazar in downtown Srinagar.
The Martyrs' Day commemorates the incident where 22 Kashmiris were killed by the forces of Dogra Maharaja on July 13, 1931, in Kashmir. The day was observed as an official holiday across J&K till 2019-20. Following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) and downgrading of erstwhile state of J&K into the two Union territories of J&K and Ladakh, the then LG administration dropped Martyrs' Day and the birth anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, falling on December 5, from the holiday list.
"JKNC is observing Martyrs' Day on July 13, 2025, as usual," read the ruling NC letter, submitted before the district commissioner in Srinagar. "We sincerely hope that this time, our democratic and peaceful request will be respected, and that the NC will be allowed to mark this day in accordance with tradition and sentiment," read the NC statement.
The People's Democratic Party and Apni Party have also decided to commemorate Martyrs' Day.
However, it remains unclear whether the administration will allow any political representatives to pay floral tributes at the Martyrs' Graveyard at Khwaja Bazar in downtown Srinagar.
The Martyrs' Day commemorates the incident where 22 Kashmiris were killed by the forces of Dogra Maharaja on July 13, 1931, in Kashmir. The day was observed as an official holiday across J&K till 2019-20. Following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) and downgrading of erstwhile state of J&K into the two Union territories of J&K and Ladakh, the then LG administration dropped Martyrs' Day and the birth anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, falling on December 5, from the holiday list.
"JKNC is observing Martyrs' Day on July 13, 2025, as usual," read the ruling NC letter, submitted before the district commissioner in Srinagar. "We sincerely hope that this time, our democratic and peaceful request will be respected, and that the NC will be allowed to mark this day in accordance with tradition and sentiment," read the NC statement.
The People's Democratic Party and Apni Party have also decided to commemorate Martyrs' Day.
