!3 July 1931 and Kashmir History

 On July 13, 1931, the troops of Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh opened fire on a crowd outside the Central Jail in Srinagar, killing 22 Muslim civilians. The crowd had gathered for the trial of Abdul Qadeer, who was accused of inciting an uprising against the princely state's monarchy.

The mass shooting became a pivotal moment in Kashmir's political history. According to accounts, as the civilian protesters were shot, others stepped forward to complete the Islamic call to prayer (Azan), only to be shot as well, until 22 individuals were killed; the Muslims call them martyrs. 

This tragedy galvanised the local population and laid the foundation for the region's modern political movements. The subsequent uprising accelerated the formation of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in 1932 (later renamed the National Conference) by leaders like Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

For decades, July 13 was officially observed as 'Martyrs' Day' in Jammu and Kashmir, with state leaders laying floral wreaths at the Martyrs' Graveyard (Mazar-e-Shuhada) near the Naqshband Sahib shrine in Srinagar. However, following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the government of India removed the day from the official holiday calendar. 

For the Hindus of Kashmir, it is a black day. They also call it a "Batta Loot Day".