‘The 13 July Martyrs’ Day Row in J&K: Why BJP is at Odds with NC and PDP | EXPLAINED

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday expunged the remarks of Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma calling those killed on July 13, 1931, by the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh as "traitors". The statement was widely opposed by ruling National Conference, People's Democratic Party, Jammu Kashmir People's Conference and AIP, terming this as an insult to "martyrs" of 1931z 

Also Read: Tax Officers May Get Access to Your Emails, Social Media 

The issue was taken up by PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para when he demanded that public holiday should be declared on 13 July again. The controversy revolves around the removal of this day as a public holiday following the abrogation of Article 370 by Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

What is 13 July – Martyrs’ Day?

July 13 is historically observed as Martyrs’ Day in J&K to commemorate 21 Muslim protesters who were killed on July 13, 1931, by the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh, the then ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The killings occurred outside the Central Jail in Srinagar when demonstrators were protesting the Dogra rule. Over the decades, political parties in the Kashmir Valley, including the NC and PDP, have upheld the day as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Why Was the Public Holiday Removed?

Until 2019, July 13 was a state holiday in J&K and was officially observed with ceremonies at the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar. However, after the revocation of J&K’s special status under Article 370 in August 2019, the government removed Martyrs’ Day from the official holiday calendar in December 2019. 

Also Read: Amarnath Yatra 2025 to Commence on July 3

In 2022, the BJP-led administration in J&K declared September 23, the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, as a public holiday. Given the contrasting historical narratives—Hari Singh being a revered figure for many in Jammu, while in Kashmir, his rule has been associated with repression.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary slammed BJP over disrespect of the martyrs and said that BJP shouldn't have used such unparliamentary language in the house. "If they have so much respect for Maharaja Hari Singh, they wouldn't have removed Article 370 and 35A. Now they are trying to cry over it," he said.