Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was the scene of considerable disruption on Tuesday as a legislator from the National Conference (NC) put forth a demand for the reinstatement of a public holiday commemorating the birth anniversary of the party’s founder, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. The issue emerged during the Question Hour when NC MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi formally requested the restoration of this holiday. Larmi’s assertion came just a day before the Union Territory was scheduled to observe a public holiday on September 23, dedicated to the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the final Dogra ruler of the former princely state. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that this demand by Larmi was met with strong opposition from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) within the assembly, leading to a brief but intense uproar. BJP MLA Devyani Rana voiced a firm stance, asserting that the holiday honoring Maharaja Hari Singh should remain in place without alteration. This sentiment was echoed by other BJP members who chanted slogans in support of Maharaja Hari Singh, proclaiming “Maharaja Amar Rahe.” Several NC legislators stood in solidarity with Larmi’s demand. NC MLA Nazir Gurezi characterized Sheikh Abdullah as a leader deeply connected with the people, while senior party leader and MLA Mubarak Gul stated that the call for restoring the holiday on Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary represented the official position of his party. Gul explicitly stated, “It is our party’s position that the holiday on Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary should be restored.”
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly hall following the proceedings, Larmi reiterated his argument, suggesting that if a public holiday could be observed in honor of Maharaja Hari Singh, then there was a compelling justification for reinstating the holiday for Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary as well. He emphasized the significant contributions Sheikh Abdullah had made to the region, describing him as a leader of legendary stature. Adding another dimension to the debate, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para also raised the matter of restoring July 13, observed as Martyrs’ Day, as a public holiday. Para lent his support to the demand concerning Sheikh Abdullah, noting that July 13 marked the inception of Jammu and Kashmir‘s democratic awakening and therefore merited its reinstatement as a state holiday. BJP legislator Surjit Singh Slathia, however, urged the members to allow the assembly to function smoothly and to concentrate on the legislative business at hand. The current political climate surrounding these holidays stems from decisions made after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. At that time, the administration removed two public holidays from the official calendar: July 13, which was observed as Martyrs’ Day, and December 5, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah. The General Administration Department’s holiday calendar for the year 2026 has also omitted both of these dates. This marks the second consecutive year since the formation of an elected government in the Union Territory that these two former holidays have not been restored to the official calendar, fueling the ongoing political discourse and demands for their reintroduction.
The controversy highlights a deeper political undercurrent in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting differing historical narratives and the legacies of prominent political figures. The National Conference, founded by Sheikh Abdullah, views his birth anniversary as a significant date worthy of public recognition, underscoring his role in the region’s political landscape and his contributions to its development. Conversely, the BJP’s emphasis on Maharaja Hari Singh’s anniversary points to a different historical perspective, one that acknowledges the accession of the princely state to India. The removal of Martyrs’ Day, July 13, which commemorates the 22 Kashmiris killed in 1931 while protesting the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh, adds another layer of complexity, touching upon historical grievances and the struggle for self-determination. The ongoing debate within the legislative assembly signifies the enduring sensitivity of these historical commemorations and their connection to regional identity and political aspirations. The decision to remove these holidays was part of a broader administrative restructuring following the constitutional changes in 2019, aimed at integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the country. However, the persistent demands for their restoration indicate that these historical markers continue to hold significant cultural and political weight for various sections of the population and political parties within the region. The administration’s stance, as reflected in the holiday calendars, suggests a preference for national integration narratives over regional historical commemorations that are perceived by some as divisive. The recurring nature of this debate in the legislative assembly underscores the unresolved tensions surrounding historical memory and its place in public life in Jammu and Kashmir. The absence of these holidays in consecutive official calendars suggests a deliberate policy choice by the current administration, which is likely to continue to be a point of contention in the political arena. The inclusion of PDP’s demand for Martyrs’ Day further broadens the scope of the discussion, linking it to the broader narrative of democratic awakening and the sacrifices made in that pursuit. The differing perspectives presented by the NC, BJP, and PDP in the assembly reflect the diverse political ideologies and historical interpretations prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir, making the resolution of this issue a complex political challenge.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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