Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and leaders from various political parties have strongly condemned BJP leader Sunil Sharma’s remarks in the J&K Assembly, where he referred to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, as “traitors.”

The remarks evoked sharp protests from Kashmir-based parties, who termed the statement an attempt to distort history.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, said the remarks were “outrageous” and an insult to the sacrifices made by the martyrs.

“The martyrs of 13th July 1931 were killed in cold blood for standing up for the rights and dignity of the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir. Any attempt to malign them will be firmly resisted,” Mirwaiz wrote on X.

Congress Whip Nizamuddin Bhat demanded the remarks be withdrawn or expunged from assembly records, calling them “humiliating and divisive.”

Iltija Mufti, PDP leader, said, “Sunil Sharma’s disgraceful remarks dubbing Kashmir’s martyrs as arsonists are unacceptable. These valiant men sacrificed their lives for democracy, and BJP’s attempts to erase their legacy will not be tolerated.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Tanvir Sadiq of the National Conference said, “The martyrs of July 13 laid down their lives fighting oppression, sparking Kashmir’s struggle for justice and dignity. Those who belittle their sacrifice insult the very essence of our struggle.”

July 13 is observed as Martyrs’ Day in Kashmir to commemorate the killing of 22 people by Dogra forces outside Srinagar Central Jail. The protesters had gathered to demand the release of Abdul Qadeer, who was arrested for making a speech against Maharaja Hari Singh. The killings are considered the first collective uprising against the autocratic Dogra rule, marking the beginning of Kashmir’s political struggle.

For decades, the day was observed as an official holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. However, in 2020, the J&K administration, under the Lieutenant Governor, scrapped the holiday from the official calendar, triggering widespread resentment among political parties in Kashmir.