Rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Nov. 5: Jammu Martyrs Day will be observed across both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of the world on Friday, November 6, to pay tribute to Muslims killed during the November 1947 massacre.
The day commemorates thousands of Muslims from Jammu and adjoining areas who were killed while migrating to Pakistan following the partition of the subcontinent. Historical accounts cited in the press release state that at least 700,000 Muslims were massacred over more than six months beginning November 6, 1947. They also estimate that around 250,000 people were killed during the first and second weeks of November alone. The killings were attributed to Dogra forces, armed Hindu extremists and their collaborators.
This year’s observance comes amid the continued Kashmir freedom movement and opposition among Kashmiris to India’s August 5, 2019, decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir through the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A. Kashmiris maintain that the territory’s disputed status should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of its people.
Preparations have been finalised for ceremonies, seminars, conferences and prayer meetings in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimber, Bagh, Rawalakot, Palandri, Haveli, Hattian Bala and Neelum Valley, as well as in Pakistani cities hosting Kashmiri refugees.
A gazetted public holiday will be observed throughout AJK. The occasion will also renew the pledge to continue the struggle for the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Mirpur, a special meeting will be held on Friday morning at the City Campus of Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), organised by the United Freedom Movement and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). Senior movement leader Aslam Malik said the gathering would pay tribute to the martyrs.
Participants will offer Fateha for those killed in the Jammu massacre and all others who lost their lives during the Kashmir freedom struggle. Similar gatherings and prayer meetings will be organised by political, social, religious and public representative organisations across the region.
The day will begin with special prayers after Fajr in major mosques for the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir and for peace, progress, prosperity and stability in Pakistan and AJK. Quran Khawani will also be held at various locations in memory of the martyrs.
