Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, observed on July 13, commemorates the tragic events of 1931 when 22 Kashmiris were martyred outside Srinagar Central Jail by the troops of Hindu Dogra Maharaja. This day holds great significance for Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and around the world, including their Pakistani brethren, who pay homage to these brave individuals. This year, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe have called for Martyrs’ Week to be observed from July 6 to 13.
The period of Dogra rule in Kashmir, from 1846 to 1947, was marked by oppressive treatment of Kashmiri Muslims. They endured a life of extreme hardship, often living in conditions comparable to that of animals. Slave labor, heavy taxes, capital punishment for cow slaughter, and living in constant fear were common experiences under Dogra rule. The ban of Eid Khutbah (Sermon) on April 19, 1931, sparked widespread demonstrations in Jammu and Kashmir followed by the desecration of the Holy Quran at the hands of Dogra forces. This act of blasphemy ignited outrage among Muslims throughout the state.
In Srinagar, people gathered at Jamia Masjid to denounce the desecration. A similar gathering took place at Khanqah-e-Moula Srinagar, where prominent Kashmiris addressed the crowd. At the conclusion of the meeting, a young man named Abdul Qadeer pointed towards the Maharaja’s palace and raised slogans demanding its destruction. He was immediately arrested on charges of sedition. Despite being scheduled for trial; public resentment was so strong that the court proceedings were moved to Central Jail Srinagar.
On July 12, 1931, in response to the court relocation, intense protests erupted throughout the city. The following day, thousands of people gathered outside Central Jail Srinagar to witness the trial of Abdul Qadeer. As the time for obligatory prayer approached, a young Kashmiri rose to recite the Azan. The Dogra Governor, Ray Zada Tartilok Chand, ordered soldiers to open fire on him. When he was martyred, another brave individual took his place and continued the Azan, only to meet the same fate. In this way, 22 Kashmiris lost their lives while attempting to complete the call to prayer. The people carried their bodies through the streets of Srinagar, condemning the brutalities of the Dogra regime. A complete strike was observed in the city, followed by a week of mourning.
This incident had a profound impact on the entire state, causing the traffic from Srinagar to Rawalpindi and Srinagar to Jammu to come to a halt from July 13 to 26, 1931. The 22 martyrs were laid to rest in the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Khawaja Bazar, Srinagar. As a result of these brutal killings, the Kashmiri leadership recognized the need to form a political party, the Muslim Conference (MC), to fight for their freedom.
On July 19, 1947, the MC passed a resolution to merge Kashmir with Pakistan, considering the geographical proximity, the majority Muslim population (77%), and the shared language and cultural ties between Jammu and Kashmir.
The observance of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom. It is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as a call for justice and resolution of the longstanding Kashmir conflict. The international community must recognize the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects their rights and ensures their self-determination. Only then can the sacrifices of the martyrs truly be honored.