BJP walks out of J&K Assembly over expunging of remarks on July 13 ‘Martyrs’
Jammu, Mar 5 (KINS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather announced the expunging of “derogatory remarks” made by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma regarding the July 13, 1931 “martyrs”.
The controversy erupted after PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para demanded the restoration of the public holiday on July 13, commemorating the 1931 uprising, along with the December 5 holiday marking the birth anniversary of National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
Both holidays were scrapped following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories in August 2019.
Taking part in a debate on the motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address, Para highlighted the significance of July 13, 1931, when 22 men were killed by Dogra Maharaja’s forces outside Srinagar Central Jail.
“They sacrificed their lives against autocracy and for democracy. The House, irrespective of party affiliation, should come together to restore the July 13 holiday and also Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s holiday, given his political stature and contributions,” Para said.
He further criticized the BJP, accusing it of turning J&K into a “glorified municipality” and claimed that the LG’s speech reflected the BJP’s political agenda rather than the aspirations of the people.
BJP LoP Sunil Sharma strongly opposed the restoration of the July 13 holiday, triggering protests from NC, PDP, and independent members.
“I can feel Para’s pain after his party’s election performance. You are enjoying the state of Maharaja Hari Singh…” Sharma remarked, leading to uproar in the House.
CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami and Congress leader Nizamuddin Bhat joined the chorus, demanding expunging of Sharma’s remarks and an apology from the BJP leader.
In response, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather announced the removal of Sharma’s comments from the record, prompting all 28 BJP legislators to walk out in protest.
BJP Defends Its Stand, Calls 1931 Uprising an Act of Rebellion
Addressing reporters outside the Assembly, Sharma defended his remarks, stating:
“The belief that peace in Kashmir is fragile is a misconception. Terrorism is on its last breath, separatism is buried, and the security forces have ensured stability in J&K.”
He further asserted that the BJP does not recognize the 1931 protesters as martyrs.
“Maharaja Hari Singh was a just ruler. Anyone who rose in rebellion against him was a traitor, and we are proud of him. Why don’t they mourn those killed under their own rule in 2010 and 2016?” Sharma questioned.
Para Defends His Stand, Calls July 13 a Symbol of Democracy
Speaking to reporters outside the House, PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para justified his demand, stating:
“July 13 is not against Jammu or any community. It represents democracy and the awakening of the people of J&K. It should be respected the way it was for seven decades.”
He accused the BJP of viewing the issue through a religious lens and claimed they were agitated because the 1931 martyrs were Kashmiri Muslims.
During his speech, Para also demanded a rationalization of reservation in government recruitment and sought the relocation of prisoners booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and UAPA from jails outside J&K back to the Union Territory.
“They are suffering in 50-degree Celsius temperatures in Jodhpur and other jails, and their families are unable to meet them,” he said, recalling his own detention under UAPA before becoming an MLA.
The political divide over historical narratives and J&K’s governance post-Article 370 continues to fuel tensions in the Assembly.(KINS)
