Kashmir Martyrs’ Day commemorated today

ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris living in Pakistan and across the world on both sides of the Line of Control are observing Kashmir Martyrs’ Day today (Sunday) to pay homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931 and all other Kashmiri martyrs.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the day will be marked by a complete shutdown in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and a march to the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar, where 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931 were laid to rest.

The call to observe the day has been given by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and has been supported by all pro-freedom leaders and organisations.

In a statement issued in Srinagar, the APHC urged people to make the shutdown and march a success so as to send a strong message to the world that the Kashmiri people want a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions and reject Indian occupation in all its forms.

Rallies, seminars and conferences are also being organized in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan and all major capitals of the world to pay tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs and highlight the freedom struggle.

On July 13, 1931, the soldiers of the Dogra Maharaja killed 22 unarmed Kashmiris one after another outside the Central Jail in Srinagar during the court proceedings against Abdul Qadeer, who had urged the people to defy the Dogra rule.

At the time of Zuhr prayers, a young man started reciting the call to prayer and was shot and martyred by the Dogra soldiers.

Another young man took his place and he too was martyred by the soldiers. In this way, 22 youth sacrificed their lives until the call to prayer was completed.

Since then, Kashmiris have been observing July 13 as Martyrs’ Day and renewing their pledge to continue the struggle until they achieve their right to self-determination.