‘Martyrs day reminiscent of utmost price paid for freedom by Kashmiris’

Martyrs day is reminiscent of utmost price paid for freedom by brave Kashmiris to get rid of the most oppressive Dogra Maharaja during British colonial rule in the sub-continent 89 years ago, Pakistan’s chief military spokesperson said on Monday.

July 13, which is observed every year to pay homage to the Kashmiris who were martyred in a revolt against the Dogra dynasty in 1931, had been declared a national day soon after the birth of India and Pakistan in 1947 and was observed by all sections cutting across political and ideological affiliations.

“Every single drop of blood shed shall not be forgotten nor forgiven,” Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Maj-Gen Babar Iftikhar said in a tweet.

The chief of military’s media wing said decades of Indian atrocities had failed to suppress “insurmountable spirit and legitimate freedom struggle” of the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has announced that the "martyrs day", observed every year by the Kashmiris across the world, will also be observed this year in AJK despite health emergency due to Covid-19 pandemic.

"The main event will be held at Prime Minister's secretariat at Muzaffarabad, where Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider will be the chief guest," the statement said.

All officials, political and religious leaders, as well as members of the civil society will participate in the main event, while following social distancing rules and wearing masks as part of pandemic measures.