Say NC remains true custodian of legacy of July 13 martyrs, committed to carrying forward their mission of building a just, prosperous, peaceful J&K
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and the party’s Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday paid glowing tributes to the July 13, 1931 martyrs on the eve of the 95th Youm-e-Shohada describing their sacrifice as a defining chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s struggle for justice, dignity and democratic rights, a statement said.
The duo said July 13 remains a historic watershed that ignited a mass movement against autocracy, oppression and injustice in the erstwhile princely state.
Remembering the martyrs, Dr. Farooq said their sacrifice continues to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, truth and peace. He recalled that 21 unarmed Kashmiris were killed on July 13, 1931, after demanding basic civil and political rights, an event that, he said, laid the foundation for the people’s long struggle led by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah for human rights and dignity.
“The undying thirst for dignity cannot be suppressed by injustice. The July 13 martyrs proved that perseverance and the spirit of peaceful resistance ultimately triumph over tyranny. I pay my humble tributes to these brave souls and appeal especially to our youth to remain connected with the history of our collective struggle,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs would forever symbolize humanity’s unwavering quest for dignity, justice and fundamental rights.
“I pay my humble tributes to our great martyrs who laid down their lives to challenge autocratic rule. Their sacrifice marked a turning point that awakened generations to rise against injustice. July 13 will always remind us of the enduring power of unity, compassion and peaceful resistance in the face of oppression,” he said.
The duo also recalled what they described as the dying wish of one of the martyrs to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to carry the struggle of July 13 to its logical conclusion. They said Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah honoured that pledge by ushering in sweeping socio-political and economic reforms, most notably the landmark “land to the tiller” programme, along with several other pro-people initiatives that transformed the lives of ordinary citizens.
They asserted that the National Conference remains the true custodian of the legacy of the July 13 martyrs and is committed to carrying forward their mission of building a just, prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir where the ideals of dignity, equality and social justice continue to guide governance.
Party’s Rank and file across Jammu and Kashmir have also paid glowing tributes to the Shuhada-e-Kashmir recalling their supreme sacrifice.
