KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah Sunday paid rich tributes to the valiant Martyrs of July 13, 1931 describing them as timeless, inspirational heroes in our struggle against suppression, tyranny and autocracy.
In a message on the eve of Martyrs’ Day, the NC Working President said the sacrifices of the Martyrs to free our society and State from autocracy and to lay the edifice for democracy is one of the richest chapters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, a party statement said this evening.
“The best way to pay homage to the 13th July Martyrs is to take a pledge to safeguard the State from the nefarious designs of certain political parties and entities to launch an assault on Article 370 and the State’s Special Status. This pledge is not a partisan pledge but one that every proud citizen of the State has to take to protect the State’s honor and dignity at all costs,” Omar Abdullah said .
Recalling the indelible mark of honor left on the hearts of fellow citizens by the sacrifice of the Martyrs of 13th July, Omar Abdullah said this historic struggle launched by ordinary people against Monarchy and its unimaginable atrocities on the people of Jammu and Kashmir was a glorious chapter in the history of J&K’s empowerment and liberation from the clutches of slavery.
Omar Abdullah said the need of the hour was to emulate the courage of those martyrs by pledging to uphold their sacrifices.
“We need to understand that the cause of our political identity and that of our political autonomy stands threatened by external as well as internal foes and conspirators. It is because of the sacrifices of these martyrs and thousands like them that we have a flag and an identity today. It then becomes our sacred duty to protect our flag, to protect our unique political identity and to thwart all attempts to dilute Article 370 and our special status. That would be the best homage to these valiant heroes and martyrs,” he  further added.
Omar Abdullah said National Conference was based on the premise of these sacrifices for the honor and dignity of the common-man. Saying these martyrs laid the base and edifice of the ‘Quit Kashmir Movement’ by giving the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, the NC Working President said the need of the hour was to carry on the spirit of this struggle by dedicating our lives to the progress, prosperity and dignity of our people.
