Srinagar, July 10: As July 13 Martyrs’ Day approaches, uncertainty surrounds the official status of the day as a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has formally proposed to the office of the Lieutenant Governor to declare July 13 and December 5 (birth anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah) as official holidays. However, the proposal continues to await approval.
Sources within the party told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the NC has fulfilled its responsibility by pitching for the restoration of these two historically significant holidays, which were earlier removed from the official holiday calendar. “We have done our job and placed the proposal before the Lieutenant Governor. It is now up to him to take a final call,” a senior NC leader said, requesting anonymity.
The leader added that the NC, being the party of the people and deeply connected with the region’s political history, is duty-bound to stand up for the remembrance of July 13—the day 22 civilians were martyred outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931 while protesting autocratic rule, and the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah.
With only days left, the party remains non-committal on whether any official government function will be held to mark the occasion. “We are not sure whether the LG administration will endorse our proposal in time,” another party functionary admitted.
Meanwhile, NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar presided over a high-level meeting at the party headquarters in Srinagar to review preparations for the observance of Martyrs’ Day. The meeting was attended by senior leaders and district heads who were tasked with mobilizing workers and finalizing the logistics for the July 13 visit to the martyrs’ graveyard at Naqshband Sahib.
Party officials said that a formal request has been made to the administration overseeing law and order, seeking permission for the scheduled visit to the graveyard to offer tributes. “We are looking forward to visiting the martyrs’ graveyard on July 13 and offering our tributes,” a party leader said.
The proposed observance comes amid renewed efforts by the NC to reclaim what it views as historical and emotional milestones of Kashmir’s political journey. The omission of July 13 and December 5 from the official holiday list had triggered strong criticism in the Valley in past years.
Whether or not the Lieutenant Governor accords approval before July 13 remains to be seen, but the NC has made its intentions clear. The ball, they say, is now in the court of Raj Bhawan. [KNT]
