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The article details a political clash between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC) over the observance of Martyrs' Day in Jammu and Kashmir. This day, observed annually on July 13th, commemorates the deaths of 22 individuals who were shot by the Dogra army outside Srinagar's central jail in 1931. The controversy stems from a comparison made by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who likened the July 13th killings to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a notorious incident in Indian history where British forces opened fire on unarmed civilians. This comparison has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, accusing Abdullah of glorifying rioters and attempting to rewrite history. The BJP contends that the events of July 13, 1931, were not a peaceful protest but rather a communal mob seeking to disrupt order. Tarun Chugh, BJP national general secretary and J&K in-charge, has been particularly vocal in his condemnation, accusing Abdullah and the National Conference of whitewashing violence and ignoring the plight of Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to flee the region in 1990. He further alleges that Abdul Qadeer, a figure associated with the 1931 events, was a British agent who incited the mob. The removal of Martyrs' Day from the list of public holidays by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration in 2020, following the region's reorganization in 2019, has further fueled the political tensions. This decision is viewed by some as an attempt to erase a significant part of Kashmir's history and suppress the memory of those who died in 1931. The article also highlights the restrictions placed on political leaders who attempted to visit the graves of the 1931 victims. These leaders claim they were placed under house arrest to prevent them from gathering at the Naqshband Sahib Martyrs' Graveyard. The Srinagar administration, however, officially denied permission for such gatherings. This move has been criticized as undemocratic and an attack on the freedom of expression and assembly. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti, has also weighed in on the matter, stating that trust between Delhi and Kashmiris will only be established when India accepts Kashmiri "martyrs" as their own. The controversy surrounding Martyrs' Day and the events of July 13, 1931, underscores the complex and contested history of Jammu and Kashmir. The different interpretations of these events reflect the deep-seated political and communal divisions that continue to shape the region. The BJP's narrative emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and upholding the rule of law, while also highlighting the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits. The National Conference, on the other hand, seeks to commemorate those who died in 1931 as heroes who fought against oppression. The debate over Martyrs' Day is not merely a historical dispute; it is a reflection of the ongoing struggle for political power and the right to define the region's identity. The events of 1931 remain a sensitive topic, and any attempt to reinterpret or downplay their significance is likely to be met with resistance from those who view them as a symbol of Kashmiri resistance against injustice. The political fallout from this controversy is likely to continue to reverberate throughout Jammu and Kashmir, further exacerbating existing tensions and making it more difficult to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation. The article effectively captures the essence of this complex and multifaceted issue, providing readers with a glimpse into the political dynamics that are at play in the region.
The historical context of the July 13, 1931, incident is crucial for understanding the current political debate. The events unfolded during a period of significant social and political unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, which was then under the rule of the Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh. The Dogra rulers were seen by many as oppressive and discriminatory, particularly towards the Muslim majority population. This resentment, coupled with the influence of the Indian independence movement, led to the emergence of various political and social organizations that sought to challenge the Maharaja's authority. On July 13, 1931, a large crowd gathered outside Srinagar's central jail to protest the trial of Abdul Qadeer, a man who had allegedly made inflammatory speeches against the Maharaja. The situation escalated when police opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the deaths of 22 people. These deaths became a rallying cry for the Kashmiri people and a symbol of their struggle against Dogra rule. In the aftermath of the incident, the government established an inquiry commission to investigate the events. However, the commission's report was widely criticized for failing to hold anyone accountable for the killings. The July 13, 1931, incident had a profound impact on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. It led to the formation of the Muslim Conference, which later became the National Conference, under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah. The National Conference played a pivotal role in the struggle for greater political rights and eventually for the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947. The historical narrative surrounding the July 13, 1931, incident has been contested over the years, with different political factions offering different interpretations of the events. The National Conference and other Kashmiri nationalist groups have portrayed the victims as martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and justice. The BJP, on the other hand, has emphasized the communal nature of the protests and accused the protesters of being motivated by religious extremism. The controversy surrounding the July 13, 1931, incident reflects the broader historical divisions within Jammu and Kashmir. The region has a long history of conflict and political instability, and the different communities and regions within the state have often held conflicting views on its past and its future. The debate over Martyrs' Day is just one manifestation of these deep-seated historical divisions. The article's focus on the political fallout from the controversy highlights the ongoing challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir. The region continues to be a source of tension between India and Pakistan, and the political situation within the state remains fragile. The different political factions in Jammu and Kashmir have struggled to find common ground and to agree on a shared vision for the future. The controversy surrounding Martyrs' Day is a reminder of the importance of addressing the underlying historical grievances that continue to fuel conflict and division in the region.
The implications of the BJP's stance on Martyrs' Day extend beyond the immediate political controversy. By questioning the legitimacy of the 1931 killings and portraying the victims as rioters, the BJP is effectively challenging the historical narrative that has been embraced by many Kashmiris for decades. This challenge could further alienate the Kashmiri population and undermine efforts to build trust and reconciliation between the region and the central government. The BJP's emphasis on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits is also significant. The forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 remains a painful chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, and the BJP has consistently championed the cause of their return and rehabilitation. However, some critics argue that the BJP's focus on the Kashmiri Pandit issue is used to further its own political agenda and to deflect attention from the human rights abuses that have been committed by security forces in the region. The article also raises important questions about the role of history in shaping political discourse. History is often used as a tool to legitimize political power and to mobilize support for particular ideologies. The different interpretations of the July 13, 1931, incident reflect the way in which history can be manipulated to serve different political purposes. The challenge for historians and policymakers is to ensure that historical narratives are based on facts and evidence and that they are not used to incite hatred or division. The controversy surrounding Martyrs' Day also highlights the importance of freedom of expression and assembly. The restrictions placed on political leaders who attempted to visit the graves of the 1931 victims raise concerns about the erosion of democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has a responsibility to protect the right of citizens to peacefully express their views and to assemble without fear of reprisal. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for lasting peace and reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir. This will require a willingness from all sides to engage in dialogue and to address the underlying historical grievances that continue to fuel conflict and division. It will also require a commitment to upholding human rights and to ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the political process. The controversy surrounding Martyrs' Day is a reminder that the path to peace and reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir is long and arduous. However, by acknowledging the past and by working together to build a more just and equitable future, it is possible to create a more peaceful and prosperous society for all.