‘Dual power’ shadow looms large on ‘List of Holidays’

Jammu, Dec 29: If ‘Coming events cast their shadow before’ them, then closing of the year-2024 has already set the scene in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shadow of ‘dual power structure’ will continue to loom large with its after-effects in the days to come. This found a clear indication as J&K Government on December 29, 2024 notified a list of holidays to be observed in the Union Territory during the calendar year – 2025.

The list issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) by the order of the Lieutenant Governor, J&K has renewed “real power” controversy yet again.

Reason: holidays commemorating the “Martyrs’ Day” and the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, scrapped post-2019 developments, failed to find place in the list, notwithstanding the commitment made by the National Conference in its manifesto and reiteration of it multiple times, following the formation of government.

As the list triggered a debate in the political circles of J&K, the first official reaction from NC came from MLA Zadibal and party’s Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.

“Today’s list of holidays and the decision reflects the BJP’s disregard for Kashmir’s history and democratic struggle. While we had hoped for the inclusion of holidays commemorating leaders like Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and the martyrs of July 13th, their absence does not diminish their significance or our legacy. These holidays will be restored one day,” Sadiq posted on ‘X’.

There was a reason behind the “missing holidays” sparking debate or drawing sharp reactions.

After the formation of government, in the past two months, NC leaders reaffirmed that the holidays would be restored, as committed in the party manifesto, at least by the next year i.e., 2025.

Most of these affirmations came this year in December, 2024 (ahead of and) on the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir.

While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his Political Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani followed a cautious line, few were ‘assertive.’

Just sample this, who said what on this account:

On December 5, National Conference Provincial President, Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir, while answering queries about the holiday on the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir, stated, “Following August 5, 2019, they (Centre) took several such decisions which were not in the interest of people and were against the sentiments of people. They cancelled December 5 holiday, marking the birth-anniversary of Sheikh Sahib besides also cancelled Youm-e-Shoura holiday, which marks sacrifice of martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of people of J&K. Everyone knows that.”

“Recently we have taken over the reins of government. It is still a UT. Powers have still not been defined. God willing, soon statehood will be restored. The government is aware of all these circumstances and will take a call at an appropriate time.”

Same day in Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary too spoke to the media, on this (holiday) account.

“Yes, holiday would be declared, you just have patience for some time. Why would it not be declared? This holiday would not mark an ordinary day but the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Kashmir, who gave us this state of Jammu and Kashmir; our leader, who envisioned it and built it (J&K). Why should the holiday be not there to mark the birth anniversary of such a political stalwart? Just tell me, what financial implication will it bring (on state exchequer)? Why should anyone object to it?” he asked.

In Srinagar, on December 5, however, it was the Chief Minister and his Political Advisor, who aptly responded to this issue, in a subtle manner.

“The Council of Ministers has formally submitted a proposal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to reinstate December 5 as a public holiday in commemoration of the late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s anniversary...Hope the holiday will be restored in time for next year...” was the response of Nasir Aslam Wani, CM’s Political Advisor.

While the Chief Minister reflected on this issue in a profound manner as he said, “There are many other dates as well but we have to fight a bigger contest. We have to fight for the restoration of J&K’s statehood.”