Srinagar, Jul 11: Amid the growing political discourse surrounding the legacy of the 1931 Martyrs, a senior leader of the ruling National Conference (NC) on Friday vowed that July 13 will once again be declared an official holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, promising its reinstatement “as soon as possible.”
Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the J&K administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had removed ‘Martyrs’ Day’ from the official list of government holidays.
The decision sparked criticism and demands for reversal from various Kashmir-based political parties, including the National Conference.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a party function, Tanvir Sadiq, NC’s Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to honouring the memory of the July 13 martyrs.
“We have made a promise — the holiday on July 13 will be brought back. And we will ensure it returns as soon as possible,” Sadiq said.
He said the removal of the Martyrs’ Day holiday symbolised the continued erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity, and that restoring it is tied to the broader fight for statehood and dignity.
“This is exactly why we stress the urgency of restoring statehood. Only then can we begin to correct what has been systematically dismantled in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Sadiq revealed that the party had formally approached the District Magistrate of Srinagar, seeking permission to pay tributes and offer Fatiha (prayers) at the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Naqshband Sahib, Srinagar.
“We only want to offer prayers. There should be no obstacle to remembering our martyrs. If the ruling party itself is requesting to pay homage, where is the issue of law and order?” he asked.
Sadiq also criticized the Raj Bhawan for allegedly politicizing the remembrance of the 1931 martyrs.
“It’s unfortunate that remembering our martyrs causes discomfort to Raj Bhawan. Our martyrs live in the hearts of the people — suppressing their memory only shows fear and political insecurity,” he said.
Launching a sharp attack on PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari, Sadiq accused both leaders of political opportunism and hypocrisy over their recent remarks on Martyrs’ Day.
“Where was their concern when they were in alliance with the BJP?” he questioned.
“During Mehbooba Mufti’s tenure as CM, not a single BJP cabinet minister visited the martyrs’ graveyard on July 13. They didn’t even display the J&K state flag on their official vehicles. Now they want to teach us about legacy and respect? The people of J&K have seen through their double standards,” he said.
Blaming these parties for contributing to the post-2019 political fallout, Sadiq concluded,
“It was their actions that paved the way for what happened in 2019. This selective outrage is nothing but politics — and the people of Jammu and Kashmir have already rejected it.” (KINS)
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