‘Committed to carrying forward their mission of prosperous, peaceful J&K’
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and the party’s Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday paid glowing 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.
“July 13 remains a historic watershed that ignited a mass movement against autocracy, oppression, and injustice in the erstwhile princely state,” the duo said, according to a statement issued here.
Dr Farooq said, “The sacrifice of (July 13) martyrs continues to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, truth, and peace. Twenty-one unarmed Kashmiris were killed on July 13, 1931, after demanding basic civil and political rights, an event that laid the foundation for the people’s long struggle led by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah for human rights and dignity. The undying thirst for dignity cannot be suppressed by injustice. The July 13 martyrs proved that perseverance and the spirit of peaceful resistance ultimately triumph over tyranny. I pay my humble tributes to these brave souls and appeal especially to our youth to remain connected with the history of our collective struggle.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “The sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs would forever symbolize humanity’s unwavering quest for dignity, justice, and fundamental rights. I pay my humble tributes to our great martyrs who laid down their lives to challenge autocratic rule. Their sacrifice marked a turning point that awakened generations to rise against injustice. July 13 will always remind us of the enduring power of unity, compassion, and peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.”
The duo also recalled what they described as the “dying wish of one of the martyrs” to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to carry the struggle of July 13 to its logical conclusion. They said Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah honoured that pledge by ushering in sweeping socio-political and economic reforms, most notably the landmark “land to the tiller” programme, along with several other pro-people initiatives that transformed the lives of ordinary citizens.
They asserted that the National Conference remains the true custodian of the legacy of the “July 13 martyrs” and is committed to carrying forward their mission of building a just, prosperous, and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir where the ideals of dignity, equality, and social justice continue to guide governance. Party rank and file across Jammu and Kashmir also paid glowing tributes to the “Shuhada-e-Kashmir”, recalling their supreme sacrifice.