13th July 1931 Massacre: The Blackest Chapter in J&K’s History
By Raies Mir (human rights activist)
Every year, the people of Kashmir solemnly observe 13th July as Martyrs’ Day to honour the 23 valiant souls who laid down their lives in 1931. This day stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and is a stark reminder of the historic injustice faced by Kashmiris under the autocratic Dogra regime.
The Massacre at Central Jail, Srinagar
On 13th July 1931, a mass gathering of Kashmiris assembled outside the Central Jail in Srinagar. They had come to show support for Abdul Qadeer, who had courageously called on the people to stand against the oppressive Dogra rule. During the court proceedings, as the time for Zuhar (midday) prayers arrived, a young man stood to call the Azan (Islamic call to prayer). He was immediately shot dead by the Dogra forces. Undeterred, another young man continued the Azan—only to meet the same fate. In a tragic but heroic sequence, 23 Kashmiris were gunned down, one after another, while trying to complete the Azan.
This massacre etched itself into history as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the Kashmiri people and marked one of the darkest days under the Dogra monarchy.
Post-Partition Struggles and Betrayals
Following the partition of British India in 1947, princely states like Jammu and Kashmir were granted the choice to accede either to India or Pakistan based on geographical contiguity and demographic composition. Given Kashmir’s overwhelming Muslim majority, Kashmiris largely favoured joining Pakistan, reflecting deep cultural, religious, economic and emotional ties.
However, on October 27, 1947, Indian army landed in Srinagar, igniting a conflict that persists to this day. This military intervention, in breach of the partition principles, laid the foundation for the protracted Kashmir dispute and a new era of political strife.
The 1989 Uprising and Beyond
Decades of broken promises and the denial of political rights led to a mass uprising in 1989. This marked a significant shift in the Kashmiri resistance, with tens and thousands rising in protest against India’s presence. Despite brutal crackdowns, the resistance continued and evolved, fuelled by a collective memory of injustice and sacrifice.
It is estimated that since 1947, over 450,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives in the pursuit of political freedom, including 96,454 deaths since 1989 alone—7,392 of whom were killed in custody or fake encounters.
Burhan Wani and the Modern Resistance
The extrajudicial killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani on July 8, 2016, a charismatic youth leader, became a defining moment in recent Kashmiri history. His death galvanized a new generation of resistance and triggered a widespread uprising met with extreme force by Indian troops. Since his killing, 1,934 Kashmiris have been killed, including 286 in custody or fake encounters, and over 11,000 have suffered pellet injuries, leaving 385 blinds in one or both eyes.
The 2019 Clampdown
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370 and 35A, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status. This was followed by a military lockdown, communication blackout, and widespread human rights violations.
Despite these challenges, the Kashmiri people continue to resist. Their unwavering resolve to carry forward the legacy of martyrs like those of 13th July 1931 remains strong.
The 23 Martyrs of 13 July 1931
1. Amir Joe Jandgoro
2. Akbar Dar
3. Ghulam Muhammad Teli
4. Muhammad Suban Rather
5. Muhammad Abdullah Ahangar
6. Muhammad Abdullah Lone
7. Muhammad Usman Misgar
8. Abdul Khaliq Shora
9. Muhammad Ramzan Chola
10. Abdul Ahad Bhat
11. Muhammad Sultan Khan
12. Nassrudin
13. Abdul Salam Hajam
14. Muhammad Akbar
15. Ghulam Nabi Kalwal
16. Muhammad Abdulkah Najar
17. Ghulam Muhammad Sofi
18. Muhammad Subhan Khan
19. Ghulam Muhammad Naqash
20. Abdul Ghani Makai
21. Ghulam Muhammad Halwai
22. Ghulam Nabi Doula
23. Ghulam Qasir Butt
