The pain of loss continues to resonate with Kashmiris, both in their homeland and in the diaspora. Each year, “Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir” (Kashmir Martyrs’ Day) serves as a solemn reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, only to be met with brutal repression.
Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to honor the memory of Kashmiri martyrs. These martyrs made the ultimate sacrifice on July 13th, 1931.
Simmering tensions in 1930s Kashmir, fueled by rising incidents targeting Muslims and ongoing religious discrimination under the Dogra rule, reached a boiling point. Abdul Qadeer Khan, an ordinary employee with the British Army, ignited the simmering anger with a passionate speech in Srinagar. Khan, a non-political figure, boldly voiced the frustrations of the Muslim community and urged them to resist the oppressive Dogra regime. Tragically, his actions came at a heavy cost. Khan was arrested and charged with sedition under the Ranbir Penal Code.
Fueled by a surge of passion, a large crowd of Kashmiris gathered peacefully to witness Abdul Qadeer Khan’s trial and hope for a just outcome. However, the Dogra forces, on edge due to the rising resentment, felt threatened by the growing assembly. As the midday call to prayer (Zuhr) approached, the Dogra Governor ordered the armed police to open fire on the peaceful congregation. The Muazzin, the one who calls the prayer, was the first to be martyred, followed by others in the crowd. This brutal act ignited communal violence, plunging Kashmir into a dangerous situation. The ensuing chaos led to the mass killing of innocent civilians and a blatant disregard for basic human rights.
How AJK will observe 94th Kashmir Martyrs Day
Across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), preparations are underway for a solemn observance of the 94th Kashmir Martyrs’ Day this Saturday, July 13th. The day will be marked by a renewed pledge to support the ongoing struggle of Kashmiris for their legitimate right to self-determination and the liberation of Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) will observe a public holiday on July 13th to facilitate participation in special ceremonies commemorating the Kashmir Martyrs’ Day. These ceremonies will involve social, political, and religious organizations, along with government departments. The focus will be on prayer congregations honoring the martyrs and expressing solidarity with the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri self-determination and liberation from Indian administration.
Across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), public meetings will be held in all ten districts, including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bagh, Rawalakot, Sudhanoti, Bhimber, and Neelam Valley, as well as in all major and minor towns and cities. These gatherings will commemorate Kashmir Martyrs’ Day and pay tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.
Additionally, special meetings will be held within the Mirpur division specifically dedicated to honoring the Kashmiri martyrs.
The Commissioner of the Mirpur Division emphasized that to pay proper respect and honor the martyrs on Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, floral wreaths will be laid at the martyrs’ graves and mausoleums located in the local cemetery. Additionally, prayers (fateha) will be offered in their memory.
How IIOJK will observe 94th Kashmir Martyrs Day
In Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, a complete shutdown is called for this Saturday in observance of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has issued the call for the strike to honor the martyrs of 1931.
Additionally, a march is planned towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, the final resting place of the July 13th martyrs.
From New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, incarcerated leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) issued a joint statement. They urged Imams and Khateebs (religious leaders) to remind the people of their responsibility to safeguard their faith and identity in the face of rising Hindu nationalism (Hindutva).
Meanwhile, Indian security forces have detained over fifty people in various parts of Kathua district. Similar operations are underway in other districts including Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Bhaderwah. In a separate incident, Srinagar police arrested Kashmir Bar Association president Advocate Nazir Ahmad Ronga under the controversial Public Safety Act.
Meanwhile, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah has voiced criticism against the Indian government led by Prime Minister Modi. He condemned the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging a hidden motive behind the decision.
Decades of Indian administration in Kashmir have resulted in a complex situation for the Kashmiri people. The rise of Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) has heightened tensions and led to allegations of widespread human rights abuses. These abuses raise concerns about potential violations of international law. Critics argue that India’s actions are systematic attempts to erode the Kashmiri people’s distinct cultural and social identity.
Previously observed as a public holiday in Kashmir, Martyrs’ Day is no longer officially recognized by the Indian administration. This change coincides with the revocation of Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy. Some view this decision as part of a larger effort to reshape the political landscape of the region. Critics argue that it also aims to silence Kashmiri voices and downplay the historical context of the conflict. The removal of the official holiday status has sparked concerns about the potential suppression of narratives and the impact on Kashmiri cultural expression.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential religious undertones of this decision. Some see the coincidence of the revoked holiday status with the rise of a Hindu nationalist government as a deliberate attempt to silence narratives that challenge the current political narrative. Denying Kashmiris the right to commemorate Martyrs’ Day raises questions about the preservation of cultural expression and adherence to principles outlined in UN resolutions on human rights.
Today, we honor the memory of those Kashmiris who played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s political landscape. Kashmir Martyrs’ Day serves as a constant reminder of the Kashmiri people’s longstanding pursuit of political and economic rights. Despite facing challenges to their heritage and identity, Kashmiris continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. They emphasize that external efforts to restrict commemorations cannot extinguish their aspiration for self-determination. The observance of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day stands as a powerful testament to their ongoing struggle.
