The politics surrounding Kashmir Martyrs Day on 13 July 2025 remains tense. This day commemorates the killing of 22 protestors by Dogra police in 1931. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, official recognition of this day was withdrawn. The return of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir has reignited debates. Political parties planned to pay tribute at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Srinagar, but security forces detained many leaders to prevent this. The day remains a symbol of political and communal identity in the region.
Historical Background of Martyrs’ Day
On 13 July 1931, 22 Kashmiri Muslims were killed by Dogra police outside Srinagar Central Jail. They had gathered to witness the trial of Abdul Qadeer Khan, charged with sedition for opposing Dogra rule. The protest escalated when police opened fire, allegedly after a call to prayer was interrupted. The slain were buried near the shrine of Khawja Bahaudin Naqashbandi. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah then declared 13 July as Martyrs’ Day to honour those who died resisting autocratic rule.
Official Status and Political Significance
Before 2019, 13 July was a state holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders, including chief ministers, visited the Martyrs’ Cemetery annually. The day symbolised unity among diverse political groups, including separatists and mainstream parties. It was seen as a collective remembrance of resistance against oppression and the assertion of Muslim identity in Kashmir.
Controversies Post-2019 Abrogation
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The new administration scrapped Martyrs’ Day as an official holiday. The Martyrs’ Cemetery was sealed, and political leaders were placed under house arrest to prevent commemorations. The government instead declared Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary a public holiday, sparking criticism from Kashmiri leaders and parties who viewed this as an attempt to rewrite history.
Current Political Dynamics in 2025
The 2025 political landscape sees the National Conference-led government trying to balance relations with the Centre and local sentiments. While the party planned to visit the cemetery, the government avoided official commemoration. The Peoples Democratic Party criticised this stance, accusing the government of ignoring the sacrifices of Kashmir’s martyrs. Security restrictions on political leaders intensified tensions, denoting the ongoing struggle over Kashmir’s historical narratives and identity.
Symbolism and Identity Politics
Martyrs’ Day represents more than a historical event. It embodies Kashmir’s Muslim identity and resistance to autocratic rule. The day unites separatists and mainstream politicians despite their differences. Its suppression post-2019 reflects wider political attempts to control Kashmir’s narrative. The continued observance by local parties and communities shows the day’s enduring significance in the region’s socio-political fabric.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the impact of Article 370 abrogation on regional identity and political autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Examine the role of historical memory and commemorations in shaping political narratives in conflict regions, taking Kashmir Martyrs’ Day as an example.
- Discuss in the light of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day how state holidays and official commemorations influence communal harmony and political discourse in India.
- Analyse the challenges faced by elected governments in balancing Centre-state relations and local aspirations, with suitable examples from Jammu and Kashmir and other state of Indias.
