Mirwaiz Condemns BJP Leader’s Remarks on July 13 Martyrs
Srinagar 05 March 2025: Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has strongly condemned the remarks made by a BJP legislator in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly regarding the martyrs of July 13, 1931. Mirwaiz called the remarks “outrageous and unacceptable,” emphasizing the revered place these martyrs hold in the region’s collective memory.
Mirwaiz’s Statement
In a post on X, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stated that the 22 martyrs who laid down their lives while standing up for the rights and dignity of the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir were killed in cold blood. He highlighted that these martyrs symbolize the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir in their struggle for rights and justice. “Any attempt to malign these martyrs will be firmly resisted,” Mirwaiz asserted, adding that their legacy remains an integral part of Kashmir’s history and cannot be erased or disrespected.
Context of the Remarks
The controversy arose during a heated debate in the J&K Assembly, where BJP legislators walked out after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather expunged the controversial remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma regarding the 1931 martyrs. Sharma had termed the 21 Kashmiris killed on July 13, 1931, as “traitors,” leading to a ruckus in the assembly.
Historical Significance
The martyrs of July 13, 1931, hold a significant place in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 20 unarmed protesters were killed by the soldiers of the Dogra army during an uprising against Maharaja Hari Singh. The day used to be a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, with the governor or the chief minister paying tributes at an official function in the Nowhatta area of the city. However, the holiday was scrapped following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Conclusion
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s condemnation of the BJP leader’s remarks underscores the deep respect and reverence the people of Jammu and Kashmir hold for the martyrs of July 13, 1931. The controversy highlights the ongoing political tensions and the importance of preserving the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for the rights and dignity of the oppressed people of the region.
