Subjected to war, bloodshed, and chaos, Kashmir has endured rule and dictatorship for eons. She wails and mourns for her sons lost to undue torment, all because they believed in the cause that Kashmiris may one day breathe the air of freedom in their own motherland.
This saga is one of might, martyrdom, and memorial. Every year, as the date approaches, the air in Kashmir thickens with solemn remembrance. The stories of those who laid down their lives echo through the valleys, reminding us of the heavy price of freedom. Families gather, recounting the bravery and resilience of their forebears, instilling in the youth a deep sense of pride and an unyielding commitment to the cause.
Today we commemorate Martyr’s Day!
Historically, on July 13, 1931, 22 Kashmiri Muslims were killed by the forces of the Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir. This event has now become a pivotal moment in the Kashmiri freedom struggle. The events leading up to this tragic day began with the banning of the Friday sermon in Jammu, where the Imam was accused of making political speeches against the Dogra king. This sparked protests by the local Muslim community. Another incident occurred in Mirpur, where a copy of the Quran was desecrated, further inflaming tensions. The Maharaja ordered an investigation, and the accused official was retired from service.
Similar incidents continued to occur, including the discovery of Quran pages in a public bathroom in Srinagar. Concerned by these developments, the Maharaja invited a deputation of Muslim leaders from both Jammu and Kashmir to discuss their grievances. On June 8, 1931, a protest demonstration was organized at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, where the young and charismatic Sheikh Abdullah was introduced to the audience by Mirwaiz Mohammad Yusuf Shah. This marked the beginning of Sheikh Abdullah’s rise as a leader of the Kashmiri freedom movement.
The Muslim representatives met with the Maharaja and presented their demands. However, tensions continued to escalate, culminating in the events of July 13, 1931. On that day, a large crowd had gathered outside the Srinagar Jail, where the trial of Abdul Qadir Khan, a young man who was accused of delivering a fiery speech against the Dogra rule, was being held. When the police tried to disperse the crowd, a clash occurred, and the police opened fire, killing 22 people. This massacre, known as the “Azaan that consumed 17 people,” became a defining moment in the Kashmiri struggle for freedom.
The Maharaja appointed a commission of inquiry, led by BarjorDalal, to investigate the events. However, the commission was rejected by Muslim leaders due to its biasness. The commission’s report concluded that the riots were the outcome of British intrigues since 1847. The aftermath of the July 13 incident saw further protests and demonstrations, including the “Narchu Paltan” movement led by Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah. The Maharaja attempted to defuse the situation through negotiations, but the Kashmiri people remained determined to continue their struggle for self-determination.
The events of July 13, 1931, and the subsequent developments laid the foundation for the Kashmiri freedom movement, which would continue to shape the region’s history in the years to come. The sacrifices made on that fateful day were not in vain; they became the foundation upon which the movement for freedom and justice was built. The bloodshed of those martyrs served as a rallying cry, igniting a fire within the hearts of Kashmiris that would burn brightly for decades.
In the face of continued adversity, the legacy of July 13th remains a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to be silenced. The blood of the martyrs nourishes the soil of Kashmir, fueling the hope that one day, their land will be free. The unbreakable will of the people, fortified by the memories of those who sacrificed everything, drives the unceasing struggle for autonomy and peace.
The annual commemoration of Martyrs’ Day is more than just a ritual; it is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the path that still lies ahead. Ceremonies are held across the region, where people from all walks of life come together to pay their respects. Flowers are laid at memorials, prayers are offered, and speeches are made, all reflecting the collective yearning for liberation and justice. This day serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom is ongoing, and the spirit of the martyrs lives on in the hearts of the Kashmiri people.
In recent years, the narrative of Martyrs’ Day has expanded to include not only the events of 1931 but also the countless other sacrifices made by Kashmiris in their quest for self-determination. The struggle has taken many forms over the decades, from peaceful protests to armed resistance, and each phase has contributed to the rich tapestry of Kashmir’s history. The legacy of the martyrs is a testament to the resilience and fortitude of a people who have faced unimaginable hardships yet remain unwavering in their pursuit of justice.
The international community has increasingly recognized the ongoing plight of the Kashmiri people, with human rights organizations and activists globally shedding light on the injustices they face, thereby elevating their struggle onto the global stage. Despite the elusive nature of political solutions, the solidarity and support from the international community provide a glimmer of hope that one day, the aspirations of Kashmiris for freedom and justice will be realized.
Despite India’s prohibition on observing Martyrs’ Day, the Kashmiri people’s resilience and unwavering passion for their homeland remain unyielding. Activists and human rights organizations across the world continue to amplify the ongoing injustices faced by Kashmiris, ensuring that their plight remains a focal point internationally. In the absence of clear political resolutions, this international solidarity serves as a beacon of hope for the eventual fulfillment of Kashmiri aspirations.
From the narrow lanes of Srinagar to the serene shores of Dal Lake, whispers of the martyrs’ courage inspire countless hearts. The unbreakable will of the people, fortified by the memories of those who sacrificed everything, drives the unceasing struggle for autonomy and peace. On this day, we honor not only the martyrs of 1931 but all those who have fought and continue to fight for Kashmir’s rightful place in history. Their legacy is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, the quest for justice and freedom burns brightly, lighting the way toward a future where Kashmiris can finally breathe the air of freedom in their beloved homeland.
As we look to the future, we draw strength from the past. The martyrs’ legacy is a testament to the resilience of the Kashmiri spirit, a spirit that refuses to be broken. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the human desire for freedom and justice cannot be extinguished. The journey towards liberation is long and arduous, but the martyrs’ sacrifices serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a brighter, freer future for Kashmir.
–Ms. Shazia currently serves as a research associate at Kashmir Institute of International Relations.
