ISLAMABAD: Kashmiris in Pakistan, on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and the world over are observing the Kashmir Martyrs Day today to pay homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931 who laid their lives for the noble cause of breaking the shackles of Hindu subjugation.
Seminars, conferences and rallies will be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and worldwide to pay tribute to the 22 Kashmiri martyrs who fell victim to the bullets of the Dogra forces 93 years back.
In a statement, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leaders have reiterated the Kashmiris’ resolve to carry forward the martyrs’ mission till it reaches the logical end.
On July 13, 1931, a sad day in the history of Kashmir, Dogra forces resorted to a brutal assault on innocent Muslims in what is now remembered as the infamous 1931 Martyrs Day.
This tragic event occurred as protestors gathered during the court hearing of an illegal state case against one Abdul Qadir Khan.
The incident unfolded when the demonstrators gathered to show solidarity and support for Abdul Qadir Khan, who was facing an unjust state trial. As noon approached, the muezzin (Prayer caller) called for prayer, which enraged the authorities.
In a shocking display of brutality, the police shot the first muezzin dead in an attempt to silence the protestors. However, the spirit of resilience prevailed as another muezzin bravely stepped forward to take his place, only to meet the same fate.
Failing to suppress the protestors’ determination, the authorities resorted to indiscriminate firing, resulting in the martyrdom of 22 Muslims and leaving over a hundred injured.
Since that tragic day, Kashmiris observe Kashmir Martyrs Day on July 13 each year to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and freedom.
However, in 2019, the Modi government attempted to rewrite history by abolishing the official holiday commemorating July 13, a move that met widespread condemnation.
Despite this Modi government’s move, Kashmiris and their supporters worldwide continue to observe Kashmir Martyrs Day with unwavering resolve, standing in solidarity with the people of Kashmir and advocating for their fundamental rights.
Who was Abdul Qadeer Khan?
Abdul Qadeer Khan, an employee of an English army officer named Major Butt, found himself at the center of attention when he made an impassioned speech at Khanqah-i-Maula, a significant location in Kashmir.
Abdul Qadeer’s background and place of origin remain uncertain. He had been actively participating in protests, and on June 21, 1931, he could no longer contain his emotions, leading him to address the crowd spontaneously.
According to Rashid Taseer’s account in “Tarikh-i-Hurriyat,” Abdul Qadeer’s speech resonated with powerful words. He urged his fellow Muslim brothers to resist the tyranny and brutality they were enduring, emphasizing that relying on force alone would not bring an end to their suffering or resolve the issue of disrespect towards the Holy Quran.
He called upon them to rely on their own strength and wage an unyielding war against oppression. The authorities were quick to take note of Abdul Qadeer’s speech, and a few days later, on June 25, he was arrested.
He faced charges of “sedition” and “wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot” under the Ranbir Penal Code. His trial commenced on July 4 in the Court of the Sessions Judge in Srinagar. The proceedings attracted a large gathering of Muslims who assembled in the court compound on July 4, 6, 7, and 9, eager to witness the trial unfold.
