Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 4: National Conference (NC) Provincial president Showkat Ahmad Mir today urged the Government to reinstate December 5 as a public holiday to honour the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, saying that regardless of the holiday status, people will continue to pay tribute to him as usual.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Ahmad criticized the decision to revoke the holiday, saying it was one of many measures taken on August 5, 2019, that went against the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Whether there is a public holiday or not, people will visit Sheikh Abdullah’s grave to pay homage as usual. The holiday is a different matter, and the decision lies with the government,” he stated.
Ahmad emphasized Sheikh Abdullah’s contributions to Jammu and Kashmir’s history, which justified the public holiday. “After August 5, 2019, several decisions were made that undermined the sentiments of the people, including the cancellation of the December 5 holiday and Martyrs’ Day on July 13, which commemorated those who sacrificed their lives for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Highlighting the region’s political uncertainty, Ahmad remarked that Jammu and Kashmir continues to function as a Union Territory with unclear power-sharing roles between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the Chief Minister. “A committee has been formed to review the secretariat’s business rules. These recommendations will be sent to the Home Ministry, which will issue an order defining the domains of the LG, Chief Minister, and their Ministers.” he said.
Ahmad also reiterated the NC’s commitment to the restoration of the public holiday. “The party’s general secretary has already requested the government to reinstate the holiday. The NC serves as a bridge between the government and the people, and we are committed to ensuring this demand is fulfilled,” he said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
