Amid L-G Snub, Ruling NC Gears Up for ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in Srinagar

Quick Summary

• On July 7, 2025, the ruling National Conference (NC) held a special meeting in Srinagar to review preparations for two key observances-Begum Akbar Jehan AbdullahS death anniversary (July 11) adn ‘Martyrs’ Day’ (July 13).
• The significance of these events has grown as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha removed ‘Martyrs’ Day’ from J&K’s official holiday calendar following the abrogation of special constitutional status in 2019.
• NC General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar chaired the meeting at Nawa-e-Subha headquarters, urging party cadres to organise prayer ceremonies at Naqsband Sahib graveyard for the 22 individuals killed during a rebellion against Dogra rule in Kashmir in 1931.
• Previously, top J&K government officials participated in tributes for these martyrs; no official ceremony has taken place as this practice ended post-abrogation.
• Regional parties, including NC and J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, have advocated reintroducing July 13 as a statewide gazetted holiday to honor the martyrs of 1931.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The removal of ‘Martyrs’ Day’ from Jammu & Kashmir’s holiday calendar reflects broader changes introduced after its transition into a Union Territory in 2019. The current developments illustrate an enduring tension between regional leaderships advocating local historical recognition and central administrative decisions that redefine official commemorations under UT governance structures.

The demand to reincorporate July 13 as an official holiday underscores regional parties’ efforts to preserve symbolic cultural identity while navigating limited authority under Lieutenant Governor-lead governance models. As democratic expressions continue through meetings such as these and advocacy by figures including Altaf bukhari, resolving issues related to historical recognition will remain central not merely for party positioning but also for shaping public sentiment within Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving political landscape.

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