The CPI (M) has also criticized the decision terming it a divisive move from the administration and an attempt to distort history of the region.
The J&K administration on December 29, issued a calendar of public holidays in 2025, in which Martyrs Day of Kashmir, falling on July 13 and the birth anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on December 5 was not included. In 2019-20, following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 (A) and downgrading of erstwhile state of J&K into the two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh the then LG administration had dropped Sheikh’s birth anniversary and Martyr’s Day commemorating 22 Kashmiris killed by the Dogra forces on July 13, 1931, from the official calendar of holidays in J&K. The NC in its election manifesto had mentioned that they will restore these public holidays.
“This is a petty and unfortunate attempt by the BJP but it can never undermine the contribution of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah or martyrs of July 13, 1931. This is a setback but we will soon restore these holidays and continue to strive for restoration of statehood as well,” said Sadiq, who is an MLA from Zadibal constituency of Srinagar.
The CPI (M) legislator from Kulgam district of southern Kashmir Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami said that these are the attempts of the administration to erase pivotal milestones from our collective memory and undermine the values they represent. “Distorting history this way will serve no purpose. “By such decisions, the administration has insulted the people of J&K,” said Tarigami. He appealed to the people of J&K and Ladakh to unitedly resist such divisive policies of the central government.
The BJP’s Brigadier (Retd) Anil Gupta commended the administration’s decision for status quo in the holiday list in 2025 stating that these holidays were controversial and region specific. “Both the holidays were mired in controversy and were thrust upon the people of the other two regions of the erstwhile state by the NC…It is high time that NC shuns the politics of exclusivity and embraces inclusivity,” said Gupta adding, “Rather than opening the old wounds, it should focus on their honourable and safe return to their abode.”
