Srinagar, July 12: Governor N. N. Vohra has called upon the leaders of all political and religious parties and social organizations and the people of the state to shed all differences and join hands to make Jammu and Kashmir peaceful, prosperous and among the leading states in the country.
In his message on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir is known for its glorious pluralistic ethos, amity and brotherhood, and urged the people to work towards restoring the pristine glory of the State as an abode of peace, harmony and prosperity.
Martyrs’ day is observed every year on July 13 to pay homage to 22 martyrs who died fighting the Dogra rule in 1931.
National Conference paid glowing tributes to the 22 valiant martyrs of 13th July, 1931 on the 87th Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir. Highlighting the valour and selfless sacrifices of the martyrs, NationalConference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah said 13th July 1931 was a watershed moment in the history of Kashmir and marked the beginning of a struggle against tyranny, oppression and despotism.
In his message on the occasion, National Conference President and Member of Parliament for Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said the sacrifices of the valiant martyrs was timeless and continues to inspire millions of people to fight for justice, truth and peace. “The undying thirst for dignity cannot be suppressed by injustice and the 13th July Martyrs proved that non-violence and persistence always prevails over oppression and tyranny in the end. I pay my humble tributes to the martyrs and make a fervent appeal to the people in general and our youth in particular to be well informed about the history of our struggle against oppression and tyranny”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said in his message.
In his message on this occasion, National Conference Vice President Mr. Omar Abdullah said the sacrifices of the martyrs of 13th July will continue to be a beacon of humanity’s fight for dignity and justice. “I pay my humble tributes to our great martyrs who laid down their lives to pave way for a struggle against despotism and tyranny. It was their sacrifice that proved a turning point in our history and inspired millions of oppression Kashmiris to rise in unison against an oppression dictatorship. 13th July will always be a day where the people of Kashmir will reiterate their commitment to overcoming evil with kindness, non-violence and peace”, Omar Abdullah said in his message.
Former Chief Minister and PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti also paid rich tributes to the Martyrs of July 13, 1931 terming their sacrifices as the golden chapter in the history of Jammu & Kashmir.
In her message on the occasion, the former Chief Minister said the brave hearts of 1931 sacrificed their lives for laying the foundation of a system based on equality, justice and liberty in the State adding their sacrifices ought to be safeguarded, respected and protected by every citizen and no sacrifice is big enough to guard their contribution.
Mehbooba Mufti said the best way to pay homage to these heroes is to develop Jammu & Kashmir as an egalitarian and tolerant society, free from the distinctions of religion, region, caste or creed. “The heroes of 1931 had dreamed of a democratic, prosperous and tolerant Jammu & Kashmir for which they even laid their lives. It’s now our responsibility and challenge to make the State truly a model by strengthening these ideals and guarding them firmly,” she said in her message.
Separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani also paid rich tributes to 13th July martyrs.
Geelani said that they with their blood created history and terming these martyrs as mile stone of the freedom movement.
Geelani said that though they laid down their precious lives for sacred cause, yet the mission remains unfinished and added that ongoing freedom struggle is in sequence and a chain of the very mission commenced in 1931.
