Martyrs Day observed in Kashmir, Omar pais floral tributes

Srinagar: The Martyrs Day was today observed in the Kashmir valley, where a number of functions were organised to pay homage to 22 people who were killed by police outside the central Jail, Srinagar, for protesting against the autocratic rulers.
The main function was held at Mazar-e-Shoudha Naqashband Sahib Shrine in the downtown, where the martyrs had been laid to rest.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his cabinet colleagues, both the advisors and senior National Conference leaders were among the first who paid homage to the martyrs.
Mr Abdullah offered floral tributes and jonied Fateha Khawani.
Former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and other senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders also paid floral tributes and offered fateha at the Mazar.
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief and former Union Minister Prof Saifuddin Soz and party leader Ghulam Rasool Kar paid their respects at the mazar.
Describing the Martyrs of July 13 as heroes of the struggle against suppression and totalitarianism, the Chief Minister said, “Let us join hands to develop a society based on justice and principals of secular democratic temperament.” In a message, he said, “The sacrifice of the Martyrs to free society from autocracy and lay edifice for democracy and human dignity is one of the richest chapters of the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The best way to pay homage to the Martyrs is to help create equitable and palatable environment for everyone to grow and nurture in a democratic atmosphere,” he said.
Mr Abdullah said, “Tolerance and respect for each others’ viewpoints whether we agree to these or not is the soul of democracy.” He said the martyrs laid their lives to uphold this principal of natural justice and democracy.
He prayed for peace and tranquility in the state, expressing the hope that the days ahead would witness all round progress and political settlement of political issues in an atmosphere of amity.
Governor N N Vohra emphasised the need for strengthening the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity for which the state has been known all along.
In his message, he called upon the people of the state to rededicate themselves to democratic values and further strengthen secular traditions to fully restore the pristine glory of the state as an abode of peace and tranquility.