PDP holds protest in Srinagar against BJP leader’s remarks on July 1931 martyrs
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Peoples Democratic Party staged a protest march in Srinagar on Thursday against BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Sharma, over his remarks on the 1931 martyrs. The party demanded an immediate apology from the BJP legislator.
According to Kashmir Media Service, led by PDP leader Iltija Mufti, party activists marched from the PDP head office towards Lal Chowk but were stopped by police near Polo View. The protesters carried placards reading, “Martyrs of July 13, 1931, are our heroes” and “July 13, 1931, sacrifices will never die,” while raising slogans against Sharma and the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Iltija Mufti said the martyrs of 1931 laid down their lives to end autocratic rule in Jammu and Kashmir, and their sacrifice paved the way for democracy in the territory. “We will not accept the disrespect of the martyrs. The BJP is trying to erase our collective memory, but we will not let that happen,” she asserted.
Iltija also urged other political parties to support PDP MLA Waheed Para’s resolution in the assembly, seeking the restoration of public holidays on July 13 .
The July 13, 1931, massacre saw over 20 protesters killed by Dogra army forces during an uprising against Maharaja Hari Singh. The day was historically observed as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu and Kashmir, with official tributes paid at Nowhatta. However, after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the holiday was scrapped, and all official functions discontinued.
