Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, across Pakistan, and around the world are observing Kashmir Martyrs’ Day today (Sunday) to honour those who lost their lives on July 13, 1931, along with all other Kashmiri martyrs.
According to the Kashmir Media Service, the day is being marked in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir with a complete shutdown and a march towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, where the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931, are laid to rest.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), with the support of all pro-freedom leaders and organizations, has called for the observance of this day.
In a statement from Srinagar, the APHC urged people to support the shutdown and join the march to send a clear message to the world that the people of Kashmir seek a peaceful settlement of the issue as per United Nations resolutions and completely reject Indian occupation in every form.
To mark the occasion, rallies, seminars, and conferences are also being organized in Azad Kashmir, across Pakistan, and in major cities around the world.
These gatherings aim to pay tribute to the martyrs and shed light on the ongoing struggle for Kashmir’s freedom.
On July 13, 1931, Dogra forces shot dead 22 unarmed Kashmiris one after another outside Srinagar’s Central Jail, where court proceedings were being held against Abdul Qadeer, who had called upon the people to rise against the tyrannical Dogra rule.
At the time of the Zuhr prayer, a young man began to call the Azaan and was shot dead by Dogra soldiers.
Another stepped forward to continue, and he too was killed. In this way, 22 young men laid down their lives, one after another, until the Azaan was completed.
Since that day, Kashmiris have observed July 13 as Martyrs’ Day, renewing their commitment to continue their struggle for the right to self-determination.