No public holiday on Sheikh Mohd Abdullah’s birth anniversary, Martyrs’ day
Acknowledging the historic significance of October 26, for the first time in last over seven decades, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has now announced a public holiday to celebrate the momentous occasion.
On this day in 1947, Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh had signed the Instrument of Accession before acceding with the dominion of India.
This had emerged as a major demand across Jammu region with a cross-section of people seeking the occasion to be declared as an official holiday.
At the same time, the administration of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir dropped two public holidays ‘Martyrs’ Day’ and Birth Anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah, respectively observed on July 13 and December 5 every year, from the list.
According to the list of public holidays, issued by the General Administration department late Friday evening, the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh on September 23, also does not figure in the new calendar.
This had emerged as a major demand across Jammu region with a cross-section of people seeking the occasion to be declared as an official holiday.
Welcoming the decision, Vikramaditya Singh, elder son of Dr Karan Singh and grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh, tweeted, “Congratulations to the people of J&K! From next year, 26th October, the day my grandfather, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India will be observed as a State Holiday. This is a mark of respect for sacrifices of the J&K State Forces and the Indian Army”.
Congratulations to the people of J&K! From next year, 26th October, the day my grandfather, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India will be observed as a state holiday. This is a mark of respect for sacrifices of the J&K State Forces and the Indian Army. pic.twitter.com/uldruTwpG0
— Vikramaditya Singh (@vikramaditya_JK) December 27, 2019
Vikramaditya was among those political leaders who had spearheaded a campaign in support of public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh.
In October 2017, he had even tendered his resignation from the PDP after former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had refused to acknowledge his demands.
Political parties in Kashmir valley are likely to oppose the decision of dropping public holidays marking the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah and Martyr’s day.
In all 27 holidays will be observed officially during 2020 throughout in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Of these 24 days are being observed under the negotiable instrument act.
In addition, 4 holidays would be restricted while 15 holidays will be provincial and area-specific holidays.
Below is the list of approved holidays for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir:
Note:
1. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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