The Jamm Kashmir administration’s decision to exclude July 13, Martyrs’ Day, and the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah from the 2025 public holiday list has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, including CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and the National Conference (NC).
“Sheikh Abdullah’s contributions to land reforms, education, and women’s empowerment laid the foundation for the empowerment we see today,” said Tarigami, calling the move a “distortion of history.”
He emphasized the historical importance of July 13, a day that commemorates 23 individuals killed in 1931 while protesting against the Dogra regime, and noted its symbolic value in the fight for human dignity.
The NC also expressed disappointment, with party spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq accusing the administration of undermining Kashmir’s historical and democratic legacy.
“Today’s list of holidays reflects the BJP’s attempt to erase Kashmir’s history,” Sadiq said in a post on X.
Notably, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier hinted at restoring the holidays removed after the abrogation of Article 370. However, the recently released 2025 holiday list does not include these significant dates.
Tarigami further claimed the administration’s actions are aimed at dividing the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“To downgrade such a towering personality as Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah is an insult to our history and our people,” he said.
The holidays, which were traditionally observed as a mark of respect for Sheikh Abdullah and the martyrs of 1931, were scrapped after Article 370 was revoked in 2019.
Despite their removal, NC leaders maintain that their significance remains undiminished and hope for their restoration in the future.