‘Disgraceful betrayal’: Waheed Parra criticises JK legislative assembly for failing to restore Martyrs’ Day

Srinagar: PDP leader and MLA Waheed Parra on Tuesday strongly criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for failing to reinstate July 13 as Martyrs’ Day, despite a month-long session and the presence of over 50 Muslim legislators from Kashmir.

“Six years of waiting, a month-long assembly session, and 50 Muslim MLAs in Kashmir fail to pass 13th July Martyrs’ Day while bowing to the Waqf Amendment Act. This isn’t just betrayal; it’s a disgrace that will stain their legacy forever,” Parra posted on X.

His remarks came amid mounting criticism from opposition parties over the Assembly’s failure to address key regional issues, including the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act and the continued omission of Martyrs’ Day from the official calendar.

July 13 was previously observed as Martyrs’ Day in remembrance of 22 Kashmiris killed by Dogra forces in 1931. The day was removed from the list of official holidays in 2020 following the abrogation of Article 370, sparking widespread discontent.

Parra’s statement adds to the growing unease over what many in the Valley see as political submission and silence on issues central to Kashmir’s historical and cultural identity.