PDP Protests Against BJP's Comments on July 13 Holiday
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Synopsis
On March 6, Iltija Mufti led a protest in Srinagar against BJP leader Sunil Kumar Sharma's remarks about the July 13 holiday. She emphasized the significance of this day in J&K's democratic struggle and demanded an apology from Sharma, accusing the BJP of distorting history for political motives.
Key Takeaways
- Iltija Mufti led a protest in Srinagar against BJP remarks.
- The protest centered on the significance of July 13 as a holiday.
- Sunil Kumar Sharma's comments were labeled as controversial.
- Iltija demanded an apology and reinstatement of the holiday.
- Accusations were made against the BJP for historical manipulation.
Srinagar, March 6 (NationPress) Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spearheaded a protest march in the city of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The protest was against statements made by a BJP leader concerning the holiday commemorating July 13.
During an Assembly session, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, who serves as the Leader of Opposition, criticized the PDP MLA's appeal for reinstating the July 13 holiday in honor of those who lost their lives in the firing outside Srinagar Central Jail on July 13, 1931.
In the past, the state recognized July 13 as a holiday to observe ‘Martyrs Day’. Sharma's assertion that the individuals killed on that day were ‘not martyrs, but traitors’ was later removed from the official records by the Speaker. This led to BJP MLAs walking out in protest from the Assembly on Wednesday.
While leading the demonstration, Iltija Mufti informed reporters that July 13, 1931, signifies the onset of Jammu & Kashmir’s struggle for democracy.
“The residents of J&K sacrificed for democratic values, akin to the rest of the nation, with the distinction being that our battle was against a local ruler,” she remarked.
Iltija expressed appreciation to Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather for removing the ‘controversial statements’ and called for an unqualified apology from BJP leader Sunil Sharma.
She accused the BJP of manipulating historical narratives for electoral advantage.
“The BJP is attempting to reshape history with a divisive agenda. If they genuinely respect Maharaja Hari Singh, why did they abolish Jammu and Kashmir’s state flag, its constitution, and the special status he negotiated during the accession?” Iltija Mufti questioned.
She insisted that July 13 be reinstated as a holiday in the official calendar of Jammu and Kashmir.
