The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter, paying rich tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, said this day is a milestone in the history of Kashmir when the oppressed Kashmiri people sacrificed their lives for their freedom, identity and right to self-determination. 

Thousands of people had assembled outside the Srinagar central jail on July 13, 1931 during the court proceedings against one Abdul Qadeer who had asked the people to defy the Dogra rule.  At the time of Namaz-e-Zuhr, a young man started Azaan and was shot dead by the Dogra soldiers. Another took his place and he too was martyred by the troops. In this way, 22 youth lost their lives till the completion of Azaan. 

The speakers, including APHC-AJK chapter General Secretary Advocate Pervez Ahmed, senior Hurriyat leader Syed Yousuf Naseem, Opposition Leader in AJK Assembly Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Muzaffarabad city Raja Aftab, and Ameer Muhajireen Uzair Ahmad Ghazali, addressing a news conference in connection with Kashmir Martyrs' Day in Muzaffarabad said July 13, 1931 is a landmark in the history of Kashmir, when the oppressed Kashmiri people sacrificed their lives for their freedom, identity and right to self-determination.   

The speakers during the news conference announced that a grand public rally will be held in Muzaffarabad on July 13 on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs' Day, in which representatives of all political, religious and social parties, as well as people belonging to different schools of thought, will participate.  The leaders emphasized, "Kashmir Martyrs' Day is not just a historical commemoration but a message - a message of standing firm for the truth, making sacrifices and continuing the struggle for freedom." 

The APHC-AJK strongly appealed to the people of Muzaffarabad, refugees from Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, students, lawyers, traders, scholars, journalists and people from all walks of life to participate in the rally organized on the auspicious day and renew their commitment to the martyrs of Kashmir.  They said the Indian forces have continued to deny the human, political and religious rights of Kashmiris even today and it is the duty of every Kashmiri to raise their voice against these atrocities. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)