MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Kashmir Martyrs’ Day is being observed with devotion and respect across the world today, while remembering the sacrifices of Kashmiris who laid down their lives for freedom.
Rallies and prayer events are being held at various places in occupied Kashmir, while people on both sides of the Line of Control are paying tribute to the martyrs.
That black day in the history of the Kashmir Valley is July 13, 1931, when 22 Kashmiri Muslims were martyred by the firing of the Dogra government in Srinagar.
These oppressed Kashmiris had gathered outside the jail and protested when the imprisoned Kashmiri leader Abdul Qadeer Khan was being taken to court. When the time for Zuhr prayer came, the protesters were not allowed to pray. When one person stood up for the call to prayer, the Dogra Maharaja’s soldier shot him dead. Following that they martyred 22 individuals and several arrested.
This brutal incident sparked a spirit of freedom struggle among Kashmiris. After the formation of Pakistan, India forcibly occupied a large part of Kashmir and subjected Kashmiris to oppression and persecution in violation of international agreements and promises. During the last 72 years, thousands of Kashmiris have been martyred, but the struggle of the Kashmiri people continues even today. Despite UN resolutions, they have not been given the right to self-determination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan willalways stand by their Kashmiris Brothers and Sister in their fight for freedom against oppressors.
In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, observed on July 13, he said, “The 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.”
“It 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,” the PM said.
“The Kashmiri people have been, and are, sacrificing their lives in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.
“The government of Pakistan expresses its political, diplomatic, and moral support in solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir, which is illegally occupied by India.
“We salute the bravery and determination of all Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives during decades of Indian occupation.”
“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 added.
