July 13: Remembering the Martyrs of 1931, a Milestone in Kashmir’s Political Awakening
On July 13, 1931, a defining moment in the history of Kashmir’s political struggle unfolded when 22 Kashmiri Muslims were martyred during protests against the Dogra monarchy. This tragic incident, which occurred in the premises of Srinagar Central Jail amid the trial of Abdul Qadir — who had spoken out against the regime’s repressive policies — is widely seen as a turning point in the collective consciousness of Kashmiri Muslims. Their sacrifice became a rallying cry for political mobilization, paving the way for the establishment of the Muslim Conference in 1932 and propelling leaders such as Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to the forefront of Kashmir’s anti-Dogra and nationalist movements.
For generations, July 13 has stood as a symbol of resistance and the quest for justice, with calls continuing to this day for it to be officially recognized as a public holiday in honor of those who laid down their lives for dignity and rights.
Within the larger framework of the left movement, this date also resonates with the ideals of social justice, equality, and resistance to feudal and colonial oppression — values central to leftist politics in both India and worldwide. In India, the left’s legacy includes not only its role in the anti-colonial struggle but also its ongoing efforts towards progressive reforms in independent India.
Thus, July 13 remains etched in history as a day of martyrdom and awakening, particularly significant in the leftist narrative of Kashmir’s fight against injustice and exploitation.
