Mohammed Ashraf Mir

It is ironic that, on one hand, the ruling National Conference speaks of honouring the martyrs of July 13, 1931, yet on the other, its leaders—backed by over 50 legislators—did not even make the effort to visit the martyrs' graveyard today to offer floral tributes on their anniversary. One can understand that this government failed to declare July 13 a gazetted holiday, because it lacked the will to do so. But what prevented the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues from visiting the graveyard to pay homage? Even if not in their official capacity, they could have gone as personal capacity. Doing so would neither have been a crime nor a violation of any law. Will they now tell us that the Chief Minister and his cabinet were not permitted to visit the graveyard today? If so, then it raises a serious question mark over the authority and integrity of this government. And if that is the case, what else can people expect from this government? I leave that question to the conscience of the Chief Minister and to the judgment of the National Conference’s leaders and workers. Some reports suggest that, instead of being present here on Martyrs' Day and visiting the Mazar-e-Shuhada to represent the sentiments of the people, he chose to stay in Delhi today. All I will say is that today stands as one of the saddest days in our history. Many across the country may not feel a deep connection to these martyrs—perhaps because they are unaware of the historical fact that these heroes in Kashmir stood against oppression and tyranny. Their sacrifices ultimately paved the way for the restoration of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. They will always remain our heroes.