Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party legislator Waheedur Rehman Para has urged the Legislative Assembly of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to reinstate a resolution advocating for the restoration of the region’s special status and the observance of July 13 as Martyrs’ Day.

Para expressed his concerns in a letter to the Assembly Speaker, criticizing procedural inconsistencies in the ongoing budget session. His discontent stemmed from the exclusion of the Martyrs’ Day resolution from the March 26 bulletin, which he views as a crucial part of Jammu and Kashmir’s political history.

July 13, 1931, is remembered for the killing of 22 protesters outside Srinagar Central Jail by the forces of the Dogra Maharaja, a day Para regards as foundational in the region’s political awakening. He argues that recognizing this day as a public holiday is essential to preserving historical memory.

The observance of July 13 as a holiday was among several annulments following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to the bifurcation of the state into Union territories. Para criticized the use of procedural rules to suppress the political importance of the event.

As the Assembly’s budget session resumes after a 12-day recess, 14 private members’ resolutions are set to be tabled, including three focused on the restoration of statehood. Para questioned the exclusion of his resolution amid what he described as broad legislative support.

The November resolution had called for New Delhi to consider a constitutional mechanism for restoring IIOJK’s special status. Para raised concerns over what he perceives as a possible attempt to divert attention from Article 370 and 35A.

This budget session marks the first return of elected representation to the territory since the abrogation of Article 370, with proceedings set to conclude in early April.