13/07/2025
13 July 1931 is a significant day in the history of Kashmir. It is observed as Martyrs' Day (Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir) in memory of the 22 Kashmiri Muslims who were killed by Dogra soldiers outside the Central Jail in Srinagar.
✅ What happened?
🔷 On 13 July 1931, a large crowd had gathered outside the Srinagar Central Jail to show solidarity with Abdul Qadeer Khan, who was being tried for delivering a fiery speech against the oppressive Dogra regime.
🔷 When the time for Zuhr prayer came, one man stood up to give the adhan (call to prayer).
🔷 He was shot dead by Dogra soldiers.
🔷 Another man took his place and was also shot.
🔷 This continued until 22 men were martyred one after the other, each attempting to complete the adhan.
✅ Why is it important?
🔷 This day marks the beginning of the organized resistance against the Dogra rule in Kashmir.
🔷 It symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice, Islamic identity, and struggle for justice.
✅ Current observance
🔷 It used to be an official holiday in Jammu & Kashmir until it was removed from the government holiday calendar in 2020.
🔷 Despite this, people still remember and pay tribute to the martyrs of that day.
