Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary, ‘martyrs’ day’ again missing from J&K holiday list

KINS Desk

Srinagar Dec 13 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday  released a list of 25 official holidays for 2026, once again excluding the birth anniversary of National Conference (NC) founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and July 13 Martyrs’ Day, despite the NC being part of the ruling dispensation.

The omission has revived political and public debate, as both days held the status of state holidays in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The holiday list was revised by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in 2020 following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the former state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was born on December 5, 1905. His birth anniversary was traditionally observed as a public holiday, recognising his pivotal role in Kashmir’s political history and his contribution to the region’s democratic movement. However, the day continues to remain absent from the official calendar released after the constitutional changes of August 2019.

Similarly, July 13, observed for decades as Martyrs’ Day, also does not feature in the holiday list. The day commemorates the 1931 uprising against Dogra autocracy, when Maharaja Hari Singh’s forces opened fire on protesters outside Srinagar Central Jail, killing several civilians. Following the end of Dogra rule, July 13 was declared a state holiday to honour those who lost their lives during the movement.

Political observers note that the continued exclusion of these dates has symbolic significance, particularly as the National Conference—founded by Sheikh Abdullah—remains a key political force in the region. The absence of these holidays has drawn criticism from various quarters, who argue that the move undermines the historical and political legacy of Jammu and Kashmir. (KINS)