Webdesk: In a statement issued on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is observed every year to pay tribute to the 22 Kashmiris who sacrificed their lives on July 13, 1931 while protesting against the Dogra forces of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said the day represents the resilience, courage, and unwavering determination of the Kashmiri people. “The day serves as a reminder of the inherent steadfastness, resistance against brutal forces and unwavering resolve of the Muslims of Kashmir. The struggle for freedom, human rights and Kashmiri rights has been going on throughout Kashmir’s history.”
“We salute the bravery and determination of all Kashmiri martyrs, who sacrificed their lives during decades of Indian occupation,” he further added.“
Today, the Government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and the right of self-determination of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he concluded.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s full political, diplomatic, and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He paid tribute to all those who have lost their lives resisting Indian rule and said Pakistan honours their bravery and will continue to stand by them.
He further emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is being observed today in memory of the Kashmiris who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom from Indian occupation.
Rallies and prayer gatherings are being held across various parts of Indian-administered Kashmir and on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to mark the day.
Kashmir martyrs day: A day of remembrance, resistance
This day commemorates a tragic incident that occurred on July 13, 1931, when the forces of the Dogra regime opened fire on unarmed protesters outside the Central Jail in Srinagar, killing 22 Kashmiri Muslims.
The protesters had gathered to witness the court appearance of a prominent Kashmiri leader, Abdul Qadeer Khan. When the time for Zuhr prayers arrived, the authorities refused to allow the people to offer prayers.
One man stood up to give the call to prayer (adhan), but was shot dead by the Maharaja’s soldiers. As the second man attempted the adhan, he too was martyred. This continued until 22 people had been killed.
The incident sparked a strong sense of resistance among Kashmiris and is remembered as a key moment in their ongoing struggle for freedom.
After the partition of British India, India occupied a large portion of Kashmir, defying agreements and international norms. For over seven decades, thousands of Kashmiris have been killed, countless women widowed, and many children orphaned. India has continued to deny Kashmiris their UN-mandated right to self-determination.
To suppress demonstrations planned for the day, pro-freedom leaders in Kashmir have reportedly been placed under house arrest. However, observers note that such measures have never been able to silence the Kashmiris’ aspiration for freedom.
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