Sir,
Apropos to Op-ed titled “13th July 1931: A Black Day” by Manu Khajuria, I would like to reinstate the fact that regional skewed narratives don’t and should not be regarded as universal infallible truths. They have a specific socio-political undertones which supposedly get misplaced when placed in broader context especially with reference to J&K where each narrative has its own shades, depending upon its geography, culture or religion for that matter. The same is the case with 13th July or Martyr’s Day as we refer it to.
Retrospectively, since last 89 years we have been celebrating an event touted as Martyr’s day which actually was communal vandalism. How could any state celebrate a day where its own citizens were murdered, raped and looted by a section of society? This event glorifies the anti autocratic movement against a just king at the behest of Britishers, which became the cornerstone for planting the seeds of communalism in the valley, repercussions of which are still visible.
At a time when regional voices have become stronger and firm, the demand to get rid of this holiday has reached a crescendo. Thus, the Government must think over it.
Ansh Chowdhari
Roop Nagar Jammu
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