Srinagar, Jul 14 (KNO): Propels Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Monday criticized the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) for offering tributes at Mazaar-e-Shohada on July 14 instead of the historically significant July 13, calling the move a disrespect to the martyrs and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said that July 13 has its own place in history and shifting the observance to another day reduces its importance.
“Even common citizens can visit and offer prayers at any time, but political leadership has a responsibility to uphold the sanctity of dates that carry deep historical meaning,” Yaseen said.
Taking a direct swipe at the JKNC leadership, he said, if your government was truly serious about honouring the martyrs, you wouldn't have been in Delhi, and your Deputy CM wouldn't have been in Jammu on July 13. You were well aware of the restrictions, yet you chose to ignore the day and visit the Mazaar a day later.
He added that people witnessed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah jumping at Mazaar-e-Shohada, which he termed inappropriate and symbolic of the casual approach of the party towards such solemn occasions.
By doing it, on July 14, you have not only disrespected the martyrs but also the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who gave you a majority mandate in the past. Such actions show how NC has always used traditions for political gain, Yaseen remarked.
He warned that manipulating historical sentiments for optics is unacceptable and hurts the collective memory of Kashmiris. Real tribute is not in slogans or late gestures but in standing by the people, preserving their dignity, and protecting democratic rights, he said.
Yaseen urged political parties to avoid playing with history and to show real commitment to the legacy of the martyrs of 1931—(KNO)