SRINAGAR – Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), in Pakistan, and around the world are observing Kashmir Martyrs’ Day today (Sunday), paying heartfelt tribute to the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931, and all other Kashmiri lives lost in the ongoing freedom struggle.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a complete shutdown, with streets in Srinagar and other cities silent. Shops, public transport, and markets remained closed. The shutdown was part of a peaceful protest and collective mourning organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and supported by several pro-freedom leaders and organizations.
The APHC also called for a march towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, where the 22 martyrs of 1931 are buried. Despite heavy restrictions and surveillance by Indian forces, locals showed up in small groups to offer prayers and lay flowers in remembrance.
Global Solidarity for Kashmir
Rallies, conferences, and prayer events are also being held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, major cities of Pakistan, and in diaspora communities worldwide—from London and New York to Istanbul and Doha. These events aim to raise global awareness of the human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir and to reaffirm support for the Kashmiri cause.
In Islamabad, a large rally marched from the Press Club to D-Chowk, with participants waving Kashmiri flags and chanting pro-freedom slogans. Speakers at the rally reminded the world that the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved, and that justice for the victims of oppression is long overdue.
APHC Calls for UN to Act
In a strongly worded statement issued from Srinagar, the APHC emphasized that July 13 is not just a date, but a powerful symbol of Kashmiri resistance. The group urged Kashmiris to make the shutdown and march successful to send a message to the world.
“The people of Kashmir demand a peaceful resolution to the conflict, in line with United Nations resolutions,” the APHC said. “We reject Indian subjugation in all its forms, and we will continue our struggle with unwavering resolve.”
The APHC also condemned the continued house arrests of several of its leaders and the use of force to suppress peaceful demonstrations. The group has appealed to the UN Security Council and its permanent members to take practical steps for a long-lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.
On July 13, 1931, the troops of the Dogra Maharaja killed 22 unarmed Kashmiri Muslims outside the Central Jail in Srinagar. The youths were protesting during a court hearing for Abdul Qadeer, who had urged the people to rise against oppressive Dogra rule.
As the Zuhr prayer approached, one young man stood to give the Azaan (call to prayer) and was shot dead. Another rose to continue—and was also martyred. This continued until 22 men gave their lives in completing the Azaan.
Since that day, Kashmiris have marked Martyrs’ Day every year, renewing their pledge to fight for freedom and the right to self-determination. Despite decades of military presence and censorship, the spirit of resistance remains strong.