Martyrs' Day is observed in Jammu and Kashmir on July 13 every year to remember the people who were killed in firing by soldiers of Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh on this day in 1931 during protests against his autocratic rule.
The JHBA lawyers organised a a free legal consultancy camp at the high court complex here in defiance of the state holiday.
The lawyers held black banners reading No Martyr's Day," "Not our holiday" and "It is our working day.
As part of a conspiracy against the then Maharaja, who had favoured independence of India, some communal elements made an attempt on this day in 1931 to scare away the Kashmiri Pandits at the behest of the British rulers, Slathia alleged.
Panun Kashmir, an organisation representing Kashmiri Pandit migrants, said the community observed the holiday as black day as it was a reminder of large scale arson, loot and sectarian carnage against minority Hindus.
The organisation also urged the government to abolish the public holiday.
In a ceremony organised at the party headquarters here to commemorate the Martyrs' Day, the National Conference (NC) pledged to work for strengthening the democracy and promoting the spirit of unity and communal amity in Jammu and Kashmir.
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