Azad pays tributes to Kashmiri martyrs of 1931

Srinagar, July 13 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad TODAY paid rich tributes to the Kashmiri martyrs of 1931, describing them as harbingers of a free and democratic atmosphere in the state.

Mr Azad along with Pradesh Congress President Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, paid floral tribute and offered fateha (prayers) to the 22 martyrs at Naqashband Sahib grave yard. He was joined by a large number of local people.

He also offered prayers in the shrine of Naqashband sahib.

In a message on the occasion, commemorating the 76th year of the incident in which 22 people laid down their lives fighting against autocracy in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Azad said July 13, 1931 was a defining moment in the history of the State, ushering the people in an atmosphere of freedom 16 years later.

Mr Azad said when the people of the state were enjoying the fruit of freedom and democratic rights the contribution of the 1931 martyrs could not be overlooked.

''These martyrs laid the foundation of a democratic and secular Jammu&Kashmir where people are the masters of their destiny,'' he said.

Chief Minister highlighted the need to recall the sacrifices of the martyrs and said the state government would lay a beautiful and befitting memorial park at the spot where these people laid down their lives.

He said work on the project had already started on the memorial park at a cost Rs 67 lakhs for which funds had been made available.

He would personally monitor the pace of work on the project on a regular basis to ensure its timely completion, he added.

UNI