As July 13 approaches, PDP intensifies its criticism of the National Conference, calling out its alleged silence and inconsistency over Kashmir’s historical remembrance.
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 11 July 2025
The politics of memory is once again stirring Kashmir’s fragile political waters. With National Conference (NC) campaigning for the restoration of ‘Martyrs’ Day’ on July 13, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has accused NC of double speak and political opportunism, reopening old wounds and fueling new tensions.
Mehbooba’s Sharp Critique
In a fiery statement, Mehbooba Mufti said the NC’s recent push to restore July 13 as a state holiday rings hollow, given its failure to support the PDP’s earlier Assembly resolution on the same issue.
“Their silence then was complicity, not commitment. This isn’t principled politics—it’s symbolic lip service,” she remarked.
She also condemned the J&K Assembly Speaker’s decision to drop the PDP’s resolution seeking the formal reinstatement of July 13, saying that NC’s lack of protest exposed their political doublespeak.
“When it mattered the most, they retreated. Now, with elections looming, they remember the martyrs.”
The Political History Behind July 13
- July 13, 1931, marks the killing of 22 Kashmiri Muslims outside Srinagar Central Jail by Dogra forces, while they protested the trial of Abdul Qadeer Khan.
- The day was historically commemorated with state ceremonies and public tributes, but was removed from the official holiday list post-2019, after the abrogation of Article 370.
- Recently, NC sent a formal proposal to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to reinstate both July 13 and December 5 (birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah) as public holidays.
PDP’s Grievances
The People’s Democratic Party has consistently advocated for the restoration of Martyrs’ Day, submitting a resolution in the J&K Assembly earlier this year. However, the motion was dismissed without debate.
PDP claims:
- NC’s failure to support the resolution reflects political cowardice
- The recent proposal is a face-saving tactic rather than genuine conviction
- Historical memory is being weaponized for electoral gain, not cultural healing
Broader Political Fallout
This intra-regional political conflict reflects larger tensions about how Kashmir’s history is remembered—or rewritten—in the post-Article 370 era.
BJP: No Room for Reinstatement
The BJP continues to oppose any recognition of July 13, calling the 1931 protesters “rebels, not martyrs.”
Apni Party: Focus on Bigger Reforms
While backing the holiday’s restoration, Apni Party has urged a broader agenda, including:
- Revisiting domicile policies
- Addressing youth unemployment
- Protecting regional identity through institutional and policy-based reforms
Analysts Weigh In
Dr. Sameer Kaul, political commentator:
“This isn’t just about NC vs PDP—it’s about the battle for legitimacy in a post-370 Kashmir where symbolism now defines substance.”
Prof. Zahida Rafiq, historian:
“Martyrs’ Day isn’t just a date. It’s a barometer of how seriously political actors take the responsibility of cultural stewardship.”
What’s Next?
As July 13 nears, the Lt Governor’s decision—or silence—will be closely watched. Meanwhile, parties are likely to proceed with independent commemorations, using the day to signal commitment to heritage and public sentiment.
In the longer run, this episode underscores a deeper political question: Can Kashmir’s fractured leadership unite around history without politicizing it—or is memory itself the new battleground?
Summary
- PDP accuses NC of inconsistency and opportunism over Martyrs’ Day
- Mehbooba Mufti criticizes NC’s lack of support for earlier Assembly resolution
- NC defends recent proposal to reinstate July 13 and December 5 as state holidays
- BJP, PDP, and Apni Party offer divergent narratives on history and identity
- The debate reflects Kashmir’s ongoing struggle over post-370 historical representation
