Kashmir Martyrs’ Day: APHC calls for strike, march to Naqshband Sahib Martyrs’ Graveyard
Kashmiris scripting a new chapter of resistance: APHC
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has appealed to the Kashmiri people to observe a complete strike and march to the martyrs’ graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar on July 13, observed as Kashmir Martyrs’ Day.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement issued in Srinagar, the APHC also called upon the Kashmiris in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and across the world to organize rallies, seminars and other events to highlight the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and pay tribute to the martyrs of July 13, 1931.
The statement said that the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, following in the footsteps of the martyrs of July 13, 1931, are writing a new chapter of courage, resilience and resistance. It said the BJP-led Indian government, backed by more than one million troops, has unleashed brutal repression in a bid to crush the Kashmiris’ just freedom movement, but has completely failed to break their spirit or weaken their resolve.
The APHC urged the people to further strengthen their unity to thwart India’s conspiracies against the Kashmir freedom movement, safeguard the legacy of the martyrs and continue their just struggle until the Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. It expressed confidence that the day was not far when the immense sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would bear fruit and they would achieve freedom from Indian occupation.
It is worth recalling that on July 13, 1931, the forces of Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh martyred 22 Kashmiris outside Srinagar Central Jail. The martyrs were among thousands of people who had gathered during the trial of Abdul Qadeer, who had called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to rise against Dogra rule. When a young Kashmiri began calling the Azaan at the time of Zuhr prayers, he was shot dead by the Maharaja’s forces. One after another, others stepped forward to complete the Azaan and were also martyred until all 22 Kashmiris had laid down their lives, leaving behind a lasting legacy of sacrifice and resistance in Kashmir’s history.
