Srinagar, July 13 (KNS) President of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday condemned the authorities for preventing people from offering prayers and paying homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, at the historic Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar.
In a strong statement, Yaseen said that "suppressing public remembrance of martyrs who laid down their lives against tyranny and injustice is an affront to the collective memory of the people."
He emphasized that no amount of administrative coercion or denial can wipe out the historical truth. "History cannot be erased," he asserted.
“Attempts to block people from honoring the martyrs only highlight the fear of truth that still haunts those in power.”
Yaseen said the martyrs of 1931 fought against the British-backed autocratic Dogra rule in pursuit of justice, dignity, and basic rights. He drew a parallel between them and the people of Srinagar and elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir who, in subsequent decades, stood up against oppression and voiced democratic aspirations.
“Whether it was 1931 or any later struggle,” Yaseen said “the objective remained the same—freedom from fear, and a life of equality, dignity, and rights.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
He questioned the rationale behind forcibly preventing people from assembling peacefully for prayer and remembrance, saying it not only insults the memory of the martyrs but also deepens public alienation. “You can restrict gatherings, but you cannot erase the truth. The sacrifices made by our martyrs are etched into the conscience of every citizen,” he said.
Calling upon the administration to respect constitutional values and democratic rights, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen urged authorities to “allow peaceful observance of historical days that carry deep emotional and political significance.”
He also appealed to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to continue honoring and remembering their history.
“Our future must rest on a foundation of truth and justice, not suppression and forgetfulness,” Yaseen added. “If we forget our martyrs, we lose our moral compass.”
The PDF President said his party’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic ethos and historical legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)