Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over observed the Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, today, to reaffirm the pledge that they will continue their struggle till they achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.
The day is observed every year on 13th of July in memory of the 22 Kashmiri martyrs who were shot dead by the troops of Dogra Maharaja on this day in 1931. They were part of thousands of people who had assembled outside Central Jail, Srinagar, during the court proceedings against one Abdul Qadeer who had asked the Kashmiris to defy the Dogra rule. At the time of Namaz-e-Zuhr, a young man started Azaan and was killed by the Dogra soldiers. Another took his place and he was also martyred by the troops. Thus, 22 youth sacrificed their lives till the completion of Azaan.
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the shops remained closed in Nowhatta, Rajouri Kadal and several parts of the Srinagar city, today. The occupation authorities did not allow people to visit Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar to pay homage to the martyrs of 13 July 1931 who are buried there.
All Parties Hurriyat Conference leadership while paying rich tributes to the martyrs of July 13 said that the freedom movement has now entered the decisive phase after defeating all the nefarious designs and oppressive tactics of India. The APHC leadership urged the United Nations to take steps to settle the Kashmir dispute by implementing its relevant resolutions.
The Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee in a statement issued in Srinagar recalled the sacrifices of the martyrs of 13 July 1931 and all the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the realisation of the aspirations and rights of the struggling people of IIOJK since then. The High Court Bar Association of IIOJK in a statement in Srinagar said the Kashmiri people will never forget the sacrifices of July 13 martyrs and all those who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom.
Speakers at a seminar organized by the APHC-AJK chapter at its office in Islamabad in connection with the Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, today, reiterated the Kashmiris’ resolve to accomplish the mission of their martyrs at all costs. The seminar was chaired by APHC-AJK Convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar.
Rallies and seminars were held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and all major capitals and cities of the world including London and New York to eulogize the sacrifices of the Kashmiri martyrs.
Meanwhile, the sleuths of India’s notorious National Investigation Agency along with Indian paramilitary and police personnel raided several houses at different areas of Pulwama and Islamabad districts, today, and subjected the inmates to harassment.
National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah, talking to reporters in Srinagar, today, said the armed resistance will not end in IIOJK unless the Indian government starts dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.—KMS
