KNB News Desk
Srinagar 13 July (KNB): Since not allowed to visit the martyrs grave yard at Naqashbandh Sahab in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district, several political parties including the J&K National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Apni Party held in-door functions and paid homage to the 22 Kashmiris martyred on July 13th of 1931.
PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti took to micro blogging site, Twitter and said, “Today on the occasion of Martyr’s day, gates leading to their graveyards have been locked up. Attempts to distort & rewrite Kashmir’s history is being done only to create a sense of defeat & helplessness amongst Kashmiris.”
“Nevertheless as we pay homage to the heroes of 13th July, 1931 our resolve to strive for restoration of J&Ks dignity remains firm,” she added.
JKNC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah paid tribute to the martyrs of July 13, 1931 in closed door function at Nawai-Subha.
A tweet by NC’s official twitter account said that Party leaders Ali Muhammad Sagar, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Nasir Aslam Wani and other party functionaries joined Dr. Abdullah in offering Fatiha.
On the day, Omar Abdullah said, “July 13, 1931 marks the assertion of JK’s IDENTITY and RIGHTS of it’s people. The Martyrs of July 13, will continue to be a beacon of LIGHT for us and for the coming generations.”
Earlier, NC had also tweeted, “We pay our humble tributes to the Martyrs of July 13, 1931. The heroes who laid their lives inspired millions to live with DIGNITY. Their sacrifices will always be remembered. We observe this day to reiterate our commitment to fight evil with kindness. Salute & Respect.”
CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami paid a revolutionary tribute to the martyrs of 13 July 1931 and said that he salutes the martyrs who laid their lives for freedom, justice and dignity.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari paid tribute to the martyrs, who according to him were the first torch bearers for establishing democracy in this region.
In a statement, Bukhari said that the martyrs of 13th July were the pioneers who without bothering for the consequences raised their voice against the autocratic regime in order to establish a democratic set up in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pertinent to mention that all roads leading towards the Martyrs graveyard in Srinagar were blocked as well as no person was allowed to enter inside. (KNB)