An NC spokesperson said since 2019, the party leaders have repeatedly been denied the right to commemorate this historic day – a day deeply rooted in the collective memory and political conscience of our people.“We hope that this time, our democratic and peaceful request will be respected, and that the NC will be allowed to mark this day in accordance with tradition and sentiment,” the spokesperson said.Every year, a customary wreath-laying ceremony by the head of the government used to be held at the martyrs’ graveyard in downtown Srinagar on the day. The wreath-laying ceremony had taken place even when BJP was sharing power with PDP.The ‘Martyrs Day’ had been a state holiday till August 5, 2019. However, after abrogation of Article 370, Lt Governor administration in 2020 dropped July 13 from the list of gazetted holidays in J&K.A special contingent of J&K policemen would post the bugle and present a ceremonial guard of honour to the July 13 martyrs at martyrs graveyard. No such customary ceremony has taken place at the cemetery since abrogation of Article 370.
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