Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called for a complete strike and a march to the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar on July 13 to observe Kashmir Martyrs’ Day.

According to Kashmir Media Service, incarcerated APHC leaders including Chairman Masarrat Alam Butt, issued a statement from Tihar Jail in New Delhi, urging the Kashmiri populace to mark the day with a strike and remembrance. They highlighted the historical significance of July 13, 1931, when 22 Kashmiris were killed by troops of the Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh, as they attempted to complete the Azaan during a gathering outside Srinagar Central Jail.

The leaders emphasized that the sacrifices of these martyrs continue to inspire the Kashmiri freedom struggle. They also called on the people to resist what they describe as India’s illegal occupation and to advocate for a resolution based on UN resolutions. Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, an APHC spokesman, also echoed the call for participation in the march, underscoring the importance of international awareness and support for their cause.