On July 13, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), in Pakistan, and across the globe will come together to observe Kashmir Martyrs’ Day. This day holds deep significance, honoring the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for freedom, particularly the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931, and all others who have given their lives in the struggle for Kashmiri self-determination.

In Memory Of The Brave

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a complete shutdown is planned for Sunday, as announced by the Kashmir Media Service. The day will be marked by a march to the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar, where the fallen heroes of 1931 are laid to rest.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), backed by pro-freedom organizations and leaders, has called for the strike and march, urging Kashmiris to participate wholeheartedly. In a statement from Srinagar, the APHC emphasized that this collective action sends a powerful message to India and the world: the Kashmiri people remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom, carrying forward the mission of their martyrs.

Beyond IIOJK, in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and major cities worldwide, rallies, seminars, and conferences will pay homage to the martyrs. These events reflect the shared resolve of Kashmiris everywhere to keep the flame of their struggle alive.

The Unyielding Voices of July 13, 1931

The roots of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day trace back to a tragic yet defining moment in 1931. On July 13 of that year, thousands gathered outside Srinagar Central Jail to protest the trial of Abdul Qadeer, a young man who had dared to rally Kashmiris against the oppressive Dogra rule under Maharaja Hari Singh. As the crowd stood in solidarity, a young Kashmiri began reciting the Azan, the Islamic call to prayer, at the time of Zuhr. In an act of brutal suppression, the Maharaja’s troops opened fire, martyring him instantly. Undeterred, another person rose to continue the Azan, only to meet the same fate. One by one, 22 Kashmiris stood up, each continuing the sacred call, and each was gunned down until the Azan was completed. Their courage in the face of tyranny remains a powerful symbol of resistance.

For Kashmiris, July 13 is more than a date—it’s a reminder of the unyielding spirit of a people who refuse to bow to oppression.