Srinagar, Jul 12: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with the party’s Vice President & Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Saturday paid tributes to the 22 “valiant martyrs” of July 13, 1931, on their 94th “martyrdom” anniversary, calling the day a historic milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s “struggle for justice and dignity”.In a joint statement issued here, the duo highlighted the “selfless sacrifices” of the martyrs, describing July 13 as a “watershed moment that marked the beginning of a mass movement against tyranny, oppression, and despotism in Jammu and Kashmir”.Remembering the martyrs, Dr Abdullah said, “Their sacrifice remains timeless and continues to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, truth, and peace. The undying thirst for dignity cannot be suppressed by injustice. The July 13 martyrs proved that non-violence and persistence always triumph over oppression and tyranny. I pay my humble tributes to these brave souls and make a fervent appeal to the people, especially our youth, to remain aware of the history of our collective struggle.”CM Omar said, “The sacrifices of the martyrs of July 13 would forever remain a symbol of humanity’s unyielding fight for dignity, rights, and justice. I pay my humble tributes to our great martyrs who laid down their lives to pave the way for a determined resistance against autocracy. Their sacrifice was a turning point that awakened generations to rise against injustice. July 13 will always stand as a reminder of the power of non-violence, unity, and compassion in the face of cruelty and suppression.”The party’s leadership also joined in paying homage. General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, along with senior leaders Abul Rahim Rather, Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Shafi Uri, Sharief Ud Din Shariq, Mubarak Gul, Sakina Itoo, Shameema Firdous and Party MPs Mian Altaf Ahmad & Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Provincial President Showkat Mir, Political Advisors Mushtaq Guroo, Mudassar Shahmiri have also extended their heartfelt tributes to the martyrs.Functionaries from various wings of the party, including Provincial, Zonal, District, Media, Social Media, Minority Wing, Youth National Conference (YNC), and Women’s Wing also remembered and honoured the courage and legacy of the July 13 martyrs, reaffirming the party’s commitment to the ideals they stood for.
