MUZAFFARABAD (Web Desk) - All is set to observe Kashmir Martyrs Day at both sides of the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir (AJK and IIOJK) and rest of the world on Sunday (today).
The day is observed to pay rich tributes to the martyrs of Jammu & Kashmir, especially those 22 valiant sons of the soil who laid down the supreme sacrifices of their precious lives 94 years ago this day on July 13 in 1931 in front of Central Jail Srinagar raising mutiny against the despotic Dogra Maharajah Rule.
The historic day stands as the foundation stone of the Kashmiris struggle for liberation of the motherland from the clutches of the cruel Dogra regime.
The Kashmir Martyrs Day, Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir, is observed on July 13 every year not only on both sides of the Line of Control but also all over the world by the Kashmiris to pay homage to 22 Kashmiris who were martyred in 1931 to free Kashmir from the brutalities of the despotic Dogra rulers.
It was revolt against atrocities on July 13, 1931 when people rose against the autocratic Dogra rule and protested against the prosecution of sympathiser of Kashmir freedom struggle, Abdul Qadeer Khan Ghazi.
The Jammu & Kashmir State people living at both sides of the Line of Control – Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Indian Illegally occupied Jammu Kashmir besides rest of the world observe the Kashmir Martyrs Day with the renewal of the pledge to continue the grand mission of the Kashmiri martyrs through perpetuating the freedom struggle, with full vigor, for the achievement of the birth right of self-determination and for the liberation of Illegally occupied Jammu & Kashmir from the tyrannical Indian rule.
Special prayers meetings, symposiums will be the hallmark of the Kashmir Martyrs Day across Azad Jammu & Kashmir as well as at various places in the strife-torn Indian Illegally occupied Jammu Kashmir and rest of the world to observe the day.
It was on this day in 1931 when the Dogra troops had shot dead 22 Kashmiris in front of the Central Jail Srinagar. A large number of people had gathered outside the jail protesting against the trial of a young man – Abdul Qadeer for treason inside the prison located in the highly security zone.
PRESIDENT ASKS GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO TAKE NOTICE OF HR ABUSES
President Asif Ali Zardari appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate notice of the ongoing Indian state terrorism and grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day observed on July 13, he said, “I pay tribute to the 22 great Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives against oppression and barbarism and for the right to freedom, outside Srinagar Jail on July 13, 1931.”
“The great struggle that the Kashmiri people are carrying forward today is a continuation of the sacrifices of these 22 martyrs. The candle of freedom that their sacrifice lit in the hearts of the Kashmiri nation is still burning brightly today,” he added.
He said, “Pakistan pays tribute to the bravery, determination and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have stood firm against Indian rule for decades and continue to struggle for their freedom.”
“India’s illegal occupation of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has turned it into a military prison where extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, political imprisonment, attempts to change the population ratio and systematic conspiracies to erase the identity of Muslims are ongoing,” he added.
He said, “Today, we salute these martyrs and all other Kashmiris who sacrificed their lives for freedom.”
“Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brothers until they achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he concluded.
PM VOWS TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING PEOPLE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government of Pakistan will continue to extend its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are waging struggle to gain their right to self-determination and freedom.
In a message on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day observed on July 13, he said, “Kashmir Martyrs’ 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.”
He said, “The day 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 Kashmiri people have been and are sacrificing their lives in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination,” he said adding, “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.”
He said, “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 concluded.