JAMMU: J&K National Conference today paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of 1931 in a function held at Sher e Kashmir Bhawan Jammu. On the occasion, Ajay Sadhotra, General Secretary JKNC and former Minister, Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed along with other party workers remembered the martyrs of 1931.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Sadhotra emphasized the significance of July 13 as a pivotal day in history, symbolizing people’s urge for democracy and creating a society based on social justice, harmony and equality.
Remembering martyrs, the former minister said that the best way of paying tributes to them was to strengthen democracy and secularism in Jammu and Kashmir, which showed the shining example of pluralistic ethos during the most testing times of the history. Rattan Lal Gupta in his address, said that 1931 was the turning point for Sheikh Abdullah in his political history.
“That was the time when the people galvanized around Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah who stood like a rock for Hindu, Muslim and Sikh unity. July 13, 1931 was a crucial moment in the life of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah as well as for the people of J&K State, symbolizing a shift from passivity to action. The day represented a struggle between the oppressed and the oppressors, a fight for freedom. On this day, a dying martyr had expressed to Sher-e-Kashmir that he had fulfilled his duty and it was now his responsibility to move forward,” he said, adding that this cherished slogan of the towering leader has been the guiding force for National Conference which it has been pursuing with a sense of commitment.
The Provincial President said “Today, we find ourselves confronting a same situation where people are unjustly deprived of their fundamental rights, particularly after the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. However, in our pursuit to restore justice and democracy, the National Conference remains steadfast."
Rattan Lal Gupta asserted that National Conference under the stewardship of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, is relentlessly fighting for the restoration of the fundamental rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The party firmly believes in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that every citizen enjoys the freedoms and liberties enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.
Rattan Lal said the struggle for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is not a short-term battle; it is a long-term commitment. "The Party will continue to work tirelessly to bring an end to the prevailing situation and ensure that the voices of the people are heard and respected," he added.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary Jammu Province said that the best tribute to the martyrs is to take pledge to uphold the principles of democracy. He said that National Conference has all along strived for strengthening democracy at all the levels to have optimum participation of people in decision making and shaping their own destiny.
Another NC leader said that the National Conference, known for its unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people, aims to create an environment where justice prevails, and the rights of every individual are safeguarded. The party stands united in its advocacy for the restoration of Article 370 and the reinstatement of the rights that were unjustly taken away.
He called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand strong and united, joining hands with the party in its mission. Together, they can pave the way for a brighter future, where democracy prevails and fundamental rights are upheld, he added.
Among those who were present include:- Bimla Luthra former MLA and State Vice President women wing, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women wing Jammu, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary Jammu, Surjeet Singh Sasan Joint Secretary, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Vijay Laxami Datta Sr leader, Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Rakesh Singh Raka, Rita Gupta, Dilshad Malik, Ashok Attri Vice Presidents Central Zone, Master Aslam Secretary Central Zone, Chander Udhay Singh, Rashida Begum, Waris Gill President Christian Cell, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC, Jatin Bhat, Dr. Ramesh Singh Slathia, Raj Kour, Balwant Singh, Devi Dyal Jogi,Raja Naveed, Jatinder Kumar, S. Prithpal Singh, S. Aya Singh, Manhor Singh, Devinder Singh, Ch. Reyaz Ahmed, M. K Rana and others.
