TNL Network
Jammu, Dec 30: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to uphold the status quo in the list of public holidays for 2025, as issued by the General Administration Department. This move continues the significant policy shift initiated on December 28, 2019, when two contentious holidays—July 13 and December 5—were removed from the official list of public holidays.
The BJP lauded the administration’s firm stance against restoring these holidays, which it described as controversial and region-specific. “The LG Administration’s decision reflects a commitment to inclusivity and fairness across the Union Territory,” stated Brig Anil Gupta, BJP spokesperson.
The removal of these holidays had sparked widespread national approval in 2019, as they were seen as divisive. July 13, observed as “Martyrs’ Day” in Kashmir, was simultaneously marked as “Black Day” by the Hindu community in Jammu, including Kashmiri Pandits, to protest the attacks and plundering of their properties in 1931. Meanwhile, December 5 was introduced as a holiday in 1982 by Dr. Farooq Abdullah to commemorate the birth anniversary of his father, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, despite debates over the accuracy of the Sheikh’s birth date.
Brig Gupta highlighted the historical and cultural sensitivities surrounding these dates. “What is the justification for observing December 5 as a public holiday when Sheikh Abdullah himself, in his autobiography Aatish-e-Chinar, did not recognize it as his birthdate?” he asked.
The BJP also criticized the National Conference (NC) for including the restoration of these holidays in its election manifesto. Despite repeated appeals and even a cabinet proposal urging the Lieutenant Governor to declare December 5, 2024, a public holiday, the demands were ignored. “The LG’s firm and unbiased approach deserves commendation,” Brig Gupta said.
Reacting to an NC spokesperson’s remarks on social media, which called the exclusion of these holidays a “disregard for Kashmir’s history and democratic struggle,” Brig Gupta retorted, “This is Jammu and Kashmir, not Kashmir alone. The government must equally honor the sentiments of people from all regions.” He urged the NC to move beyond divisive politics and respect the Dogra heritage while also apologizing to the Kashmiri Pandit community for historical injustices.
“Rather than reopening old wounds, the NC should focus on fostering unity and ensuring the dignified and safe return of Kashmiri Hindus to their homeland,” Brig Gupta added.
The BJP’s support for the decision underscores its emphasis on inclusivity and regional equity, as the administration aims to balance the aspirations of diverse communities in the Union Territory.
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