Srinagar, July 10: Senior BJP leader Ashok Koul on Thursday responded to Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari’s recent demand for declaring July 13 as a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that India is a democratic country where everyone has the right to raise such demands.
Speaking to news agency KINS, Koul said, “India is a democratic country. Everyone is free to make such demands. NC (National Conference) can also make such a demand since the Chief Minister is also from their party.”
Koul’s comments come a day after Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to reinstate the July 13 holiday, which was earlier removed from the official list of public holidays. The day had historically been observed in memory of the 22 Kashmiris killed in 1931 during a protest against autocratic Dogra rule.
However, in recent years, the holiday has become a political flashpoint, with differing parties debating its historical relevance and political undertones. While the National Conference (NC) and other regional parties have often supported commemorating the day, the BJP has maintained a different stance, arguing for holidays that promote national unity.
Koul, however, refrained from opposing the demand directly. “Anyone can put forth any demand; it is up to the government to take a decision based on wider consensus and administrative considerations,” he added. (KINS)
