J-K leaders pay tributes to martyrs of July 13 1931

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference supremo Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone, paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives protesting against the Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh in 1931.

According to party sources, the leaders described the sacrifice of the martyrs as a defining chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s struggle for justice, dignity and democratic rights.

“July 13 remains a historic watershed that ignited a mass movement against autocracy, oppression and injustice in the erstwhile princely state,” officials said.

However, People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has been placed under house arrest ahead of Martyrs’ Day observance here, her daughter Iltija Mufti claimed on Sunday.

“We have been placed under house arrest on the eve of Martyrs’ Day for reasons best known to JK Police,” Iltija posted on X.

July 13 is commemorated as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu and Kashmir as a tribute to the 22 persons who were killed by the Dogra army outside Srinagar’s central jail in 1931.

The L-G administration had dropped the day from the list of gazetted holidays in 2020.

People’s Conference Chief Sajad Lone alleged that “Omar Abdullah-led government has made no sincere effort to restore this public holiday, honouring the sacrifice of our native heroes.”

“It has chosen theatre over truth and rhetoric over resolve and, in doing so, has turned its back on history itself,” he said.

Also read: Martyrs Day: Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija placed under house arrest