People of J

Srinagar, July 13 (UNI) Describing July 13, 1931 a significant day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir when people rose against an autocratic dispensation, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said citizens of the state were today masters of their destiny, enjoying the right to elect their representatives in the state Legislature.

Talking to reporters after paying floral tributes to the martyrs of 1931 at the Martyrs' Graveyard the in downtown, Mr Azad said the people's fight was not against any individual but against a system at large.

He said like the fight against British rule in the rest of the country, the struggle in the state was against autocracy.

The Chief Minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir today remember with a sense of gratitude the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to replace autocracy with democracy in the State.

He attributed the dawning of free and democratic atmosphere in the state to their sacrifices. People were today masters of their destiny, enjoying the right to elect their representatives in the State Legislature, he said and asked all sections of the society to join hands in the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, accompanied by Minister for Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, the Chief Minister was the first political leader to arrive here in the morning and pay his homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives this day 76 years ago fighting against autocracy.

A large number of people were present and joined the Chief Minister in paying respects to the martyrs.

Mr Azad laid wreaths on graves of the martyrs and offered fateha.

The memorial function was held with traditional colour and solemnity. A neatly dressed contingent of J&K Armed Police lowered their arms and the Police Band sounded the last post in memory of the martyrs.

On his arrival, the Chief Minister paid obeisance at the shrine of Hazrat Bahuddin Naqshbandi (RA) situated in the Martyrs' graveyard complex. He offered prayers at the shrine.

UNI