July 13 Is A Historic Event, Can Never Be Erased: Says PAGD

SRINAGAR: On the anniversary of July 13, 1931, when 22 brave souls protesting against the tyranny of the autocracy were martyred, was a historic event that shook the foundations of the then oppressive power structure, PAGD said in a statement.

A Kashmiri woman walks near the Naqshband Sahab Shrine in Khwaja Bazar on Monday July 13, 2020. The shrine premises is home to Martyrs Graveyard. Authorities prevented special prayers at the cemetery. Kl Image by Bilal Bahadur

“This unprecedented incident proved to be a milestone in the long road of the people’s struggle for justice. Thus it marked the beginning of the mass awakening in Kashmir. The barbaric killings of protesters shocked and infuriated the people who challenged the autocratic rule,” it said.

According to the noted Kashmiri Pandit freedom fighter and writer, Prem Nath Bazaz “no longer looked down upon themselves as born bondmen and they began to walk erect with their heads raised and refused to be easily bullied by an official or an outsider”.

The uprising against the tyranny and autocratic ruler laid a strong edifice for unifying the people, rising above narrow considerations that finally culminated in initiating a process of their empowerment, the statement said.

The supreme sacrifices by the martyrs led to the dawning of new in the region.

“Despite brazen assault on legitimate constitutional rights and suppression of civil liberties, democratic rights, curbing the media, indiscriminate arrests of political activists and youth under draconian laws like UAPA, PSA, people can not be silenced for long,” the PAGD statement said. “Economy of the region is worsening, despite tall promises of development, investment and job creation. The fact remains, that the erstwhile state of J&K lags far behind. Instead of creating new job opportunities, daily wagers, contractual employees, casual labourers, scheme workers & others are either not getting their wages regularly or are being altogether denied their dues.”

PAGD has appealed to all the sections of our population, communities and regions to close their ranks and unitedly raise their voice for a better future and dignified life. United voice remains the only option i.e the real tribute to these great martyrs.

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