SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and the party’s vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday paid tributes to the July 13, 1931 martyrs on the eve of the 95th Youm-e-Shohada, describing their sacrifice as a defining chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s struggle for justice, dignity and democratic rights.
In a joint statement, the two leaders said July 13 marked a turning point in the region’s history, saying the events of 1931 sparked a mass movement against autocratic rule and injustice in the erstwhile princely state.
Farooq Abdullah said the sacrifice of the martyrs continued to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, truth and peace. Referring to the killing of 21 unarmed Kashmiris on July 13, 1931, he said the incident laid the foundation for the political movement led by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for civil and democratic rights.
Omar Abdullah said the sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs symbolised the struggle for dignity, justice and fundamental rights. He said their deaths marked a turning point that inspired people to stand against injustice through peaceful means.
The two leaders also recalled what they described as the dying wish of one of the martyrs to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to carry forward the struggle, saying he later fulfilled that commitment through political and socio-economic reforms, including the “land to the tiller” programme.
They said the National Conference remained committed to preserving the legacy of the July 13 martyrs and to working towards what they described as a just, prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir guided by the ideals of dignity, equality and social justice.
The party said its leaders and workers across Jammu and Kashmir also paid tributes to the July 13 martyrs.
