NC ‘condemns’ exclusion of 5 Dec, 13 July official holidays; PDP accuses Omar Govt of ‘betrayal’ 

Srinagar, 30 Dec: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Chief Spokesperson & MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq Monday condemned the exclusion of holidays commemorating the death anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and 13th Martyr’s Day. People’s Democratic Party, on the other hand, while expressing its shock over the ommission of the official holidays, accused the National Conference-led government of betrayal.

In a statement released from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha to Ziraat Times, Tanvir expressed disappointment over BJP’s recent decision regarding the list of holidays in Kashmir. This decision, according to Tanvir, blatantly disregards Kashmir’s rich history and the ongoing democratic struggle of its people.

“We had hoped to see holidays commemorating revered leaders such as Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and the martyrs of July 13th included in the list. However, their absence does not diminish their significance or the enduring legacy they have left behind. Rest assured, these important holidays will be restored one day,” Tanvir said. 

Emphasizing the party’s ongoing battle for recognition and respect for Kashmir’s history and heroes, Tanvir’s words stand as a powerful reminder of the unwavering determination of the Kashmiri people to preserve their heritage and honor their past.

The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the National Conference (NC)-led government of backtracking on its promises made ahead of the Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, In a statement, PDP General Secretary Mohammad Khurshid Alam criticized the omission of both July 13 Martyrs’ Day and December 5, the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, from the official holiday calendar. He described the decision as a betrayal of the aspirations of the people who had voted en masse for the NC in the hope of better representation of their sentiments.

“July 13, 1931, is a historic day—not just for the people of Kashmir but for anyone who believes in standing up to autocratic rule and speaking truth to power. The removal of this holiday is a blow to the collective memory and emotions of the Kashmiri people,” Alam said.

He accused the NC-led government of failing to honor its promises, despite receiving a massive mandate from the people. “The people of Kashmir didn’t vote for the NC to organize ski festivals at tourist resorts. They voted to see their beliefs and aspirations respected and their concerns amplified in a just and democratic manner,” he added.

Alam criticized the government’s “pin-drop silence” over the issue, calling it a failure to stand by the cultural and historical legacy of the region.