SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah and the party’s vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday paid tributes to the July 13, 1931 martyrs on the eve of the 95th Youm-e-Shuhada, describing their sacrifice as a defining moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s struggle for justice, dignity and democratic rights.
In a statement, the two leaders said the events of July 13, 1931 marked a historic turning point that sparked a mass movement against autocracy, oppression and injustice in the erstwhile princely state.
Remembering the 21 people who were killed on July 13, 1931, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said their sacrifice continues to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, truth and peace. He said the incident laid the foundation for the people’s struggle for civil and political rights under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
“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,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs would forever symbolise the pursuit of 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,” he said.
The NC leaders also recalled what they described as the dying wish of one of the martyrs to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to carry forward the struggle of July 13. They said Sheikh Abdullah fulfilled that commitment through wide-ranging socio-political and economic reforms, including the landmark “land to the tiller” programme and other pro-people initiatives.
Reiterating the party’s stand, the leaders said the National Conference remains committed to preserving the legacy of the July 13 martyrs and working towards a just, prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir guided by the ideals of dignity, equality and social justice.
Meanwhile, NC leaders and workers across Jammu and Kashmir also paid tributes to the July 13 martyrs, remembering their sacrifice and contribution to the region’s political history.
