SRINAGAR: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor’s administration for removing Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birthday (December 5) and Martyrs’ Day (July 13) from the list of public holidays for 2025. He termed the move an attempt to distort history.
“Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a towering personality whose contributions to the freedom struggle and empowerment of the people of J&K cannot be ignored. Decisions such as ‘Land to the Tiller’ without compensation, ‘Education for All,’ and women’s empowerment were transformative milestones that emerged from his leadership,” said Tarigami. “To disregard his legacy is a distortion of history.”
It is very unfortunate that July 13 & December 5 have been dropped from the list of holidays for 2025 calendar year. July 13 holds immense historical significance for J & K, as it commemorates the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives protesting against autocratic rule 1/3
— M Y Tarigami (@tarigami) December 30, 2024
Tarigami expressed dismay over the exclusion of these dates, noting their historical importance. “July 13 commemorates the sacrifice of those who stood against autocratic rule and fought for human dignity, while December 5 celebrates the contributions of Sheikh Sahib, whose initiatives under the Naya Kashmir manifesto democratized society, introduced radical land reforms, free education, and women’s empowerment,” he stated.
He emphasised that erasing such milestones undermines the values they represent. “Distorting history in this manner serves no purpose,” he said.
Tarigami also accused the administration of trying to further divide the people of the region. “By taking such decisions, the administration has insulted the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
He called on the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to resist what he described as divisive policies of the central government. “CPI(M) appeals to all to unite against these divisive moves,” he added.
