Should July 13 and December 5 Public Holidays Be Restored?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Omar Abdullah government seeks the restoration of July 13 and December 5 as public holidays in Jammu and Kashmir, honoring Martyrs Day and the legacy of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. With the holidays previously recognized, this request invites discussion on their importance and the implications of their reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- July 13 commemorates the deaths of protesters in 1931.
- December 5 celebrates the birth of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
- These dates were public holidays in the former state of J&K.
- The NC government is advocating for their reinstatement.
- The removal occurred post Article 370 abrogation.
Srinagar, July 10 (NationPress) The government led by Omar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir has formally requested Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to reinstate July 13 and December 5 as public holidays, commemorating Martyrs Day and the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference (NC), respectively.
In the former state of J&K, both July 13 and December 5 were recognized as public holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881.
Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of J&K into two union territories on August 5, 2019, these holidays were eliminated from the official government holiday list.
July 13 marks the tragic event when protesters gathered at the Srinagar central jail in 1931 to oppose the secret trial of Abul Qadeer, a Pathan servant of a British officer, who called for public resistance against the oppressive rule of Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh. The firing from prison guards led to the deaths of twenty-two protesters, who were later interred in the Naqashband Sahib shrine compound, now known as the Martyrs' Graveyard. After India's independence in 1947, this day was officially recognized as Martyrs Day by the J&K government.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the NC's founding figure, was born on December 5, 1905, in the Soura area of Srinagar; his birthday was celebrated as a public holiday in J&K until its discontinuation in 2020.
The NC government pledged to restore both dates as public holidays once back in power.
Sources indicate that the government has officially requested the Lt Governor to reinstate these holidays. With just two days remaining until July 13, no updates have been provided regarding the NC’s request by the UT’s Raj Bhawan. However, NC leaders assert, “We have done what needed to be done.”
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the historical and emotional significance of the proposed holidays. The calls for restoration reflect a commitment to honoring the sacrifices made for justice and the legacy of a prominent leader. The Nation stands by the sentiment of the local populace, emphasizing the need to acknowledge their history.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are July 13 and December 5 significant in Jammu and Kashmir?
July 13 marks Martyrs Day, commemorating the deaths of protesters in 1931, while December 5 celebrates the birth of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference.
What led to the removal of these holidays?
The holidays were removed following the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir into union territories in August 2019.
What is the National Conference's stance on this issue?
The National Conference has formally requested the restoration of these holidays, emphasizing their historical significance and electoral commitment.
