SRINAGAR: A heated debate unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as opposition leaders clashed with the ruling administration over Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para’s demand for restoration of holidays on Martyrs Day and on the birthday of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
Para’s call for recognising these dates as official holidays ignited strong reactions from both the opposition and the ruling party. He argued that July 13, which marks the 1931 uprising against the then-monarchial rule, symbolises Jammu and Kashmir’s struggle for democratic rights and should be officially observed. Similarly, he emphasised the cultural significance of Sheikh’s birthday and the need to honour historical figures representing the region’s legacy.
“July 13 is not a communal day but a significant moment in India’s democratic history and an important event for Jammu and Kashmir. It was a day of resistance against monarchy, and lives were sacrificed for that cause.”
He added, “Unless the lives lost on 13 July are acknowledged and the holiday is reinstated, the BJP will not be able to do justice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He urged the government to restore these holidays.
The demand sparked immediate opposition from members of the ruling party, who accused Para of attempting to revive past political narratives that no longer align with the current governance framework. Government representatives maintained that their priority remains on economic development, governance, and security rather than revisiting historical events.
The session also touched upon broader concerns, including the political autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir and the perceived alignment of government policies with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national agenda.
Speaking about the NC manifesto, Waheed stressed that Omar led government must ensure good governance and oppose laws that suppress the people. He called for a resolution on political prisoners, and said they should be returned and held accountable within Kashmir’s jails rather than being made to suffer in harsh conditions outside the region.
He also urged Omar Abdullah to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth with the Prime Minister and request amnesty for them.
All BJP MLAs staged a walkout from the House in protest against Waheed’s demand for a holiday on Martyrs’ Day and Sheikh Abdullah’s birthday.
Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone demanded that the House pass a resolution for the restoration of holidays on Martyrs Day and on the birthday of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah
