BJP Declares July 13 as 'Traitors' Day; Local Parties in Jammu and Kashmir Call It 'Martyrs' Day'

The BJP and other political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are at odds over the events of July 13, 1931. On that day, more than 20 protesters were killed by Dogra army soldiers during an uprising against Maharaja Hari Singh. The BJP has labelled this day as one of betrayal, while parties like the National Conference (NC), Congress, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Hurriyat Conference regard it as a day to honour martyrs.

Sunil Sharma, a senior BJP leader, stated, "I want to clarify that July 13, which is called martyrs day by them Kashmir-based leaders, we consider it a traitors day. This will never be restored in the land of Jammu and Kashmir again." He criticised the NC and PDP for considering the protesters as martyrs, asserting that those who opposed Maharaja Hari Singh should not be honoured.

Political Tensions Over Historical Events

Sharma further accused the NC and PDP of hypocrisy. He questioned their stance on police firing incidents in 2010 and 2016 when Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were chief ministers. He asked if the deaths during these periods were not also acts of rebellion. Sharma highlighted contradictions in their praise for Maharaja Hari Singh's residency laws while glorifying those who rebelled against him.

The BJP's stance has drawn criticism from various quarters. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary defended those considered martyrs by local parties. He argued that their fight was for people's rights and democracy. Chaudhary rejected the BJP's claims, stating that those who fought against oppression were indeed martyrs.

Debate Over Martyrdom

Chaudhary condemned the BJP for using derogatory language about the martyrs in the House. He emphasised that martyrdom transcends community or political beliefs. Chaudhary also questioned why the BJP opposes Article 370 and 35A if they admire Maharaja Hari Singh, under whose reign these articles were enacted.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, criticised Sharma's remarks about the 1931 martyrs. He posted on his X handle condemning the comments made in the Assembly. "Strongly condemn the outrageous remarks by a BJP member in the Assembly with regard to the martyrs of 13th July, 1931 who were killed in cold blood for standing up for the rights and dignity of the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir," he wrote.

Historical Legacy and Political Disputes

Sharma praised Maharaja Hari Singh's contributions to infrastructure and institutions like Jammu & Kashmir Bank and SPM College. He claimed these have been utilised by Kashmir's rulers to this day. However, his remarks about July 13 being a traitors' day have sparked significant backlash from other political leaders.

The holiday commemorating July 13 was abolished after Article 370 was revoked in 2019. Previously, it was marked by official tributes at Nowhatta in Srinagar. The BJP insists this observance will not be reinstated, maintaining their view that those who opposed Maharaja Hari Singh were traitors.

The debate over July 13 continues to stir emotions in Jammu and Kashmir. While some see it as a day to remember sacrifices for rights and dignity, others view it as an act of rebellion against legitimate rule. The differing perspectives highlight ongoing tensions regarding historical narratives in the region.