Srinagar, July 13 -- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zuhaib Yousuf Mir said that July 13 marks nearly a century since 22 individuals were martyred during a protest against the monarchy of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said they stood against forced labour, administrative apathy, and religious persecution, and demanded justice.

He said that during a peaceful protest, all 22 were shot dead, and their killings were used as a warning to others who opposed the monarchy.

He said their actions were similar to those of India's freedom fighters who resisted British rule and demanded democratic governance.

Mir said that those who died are not only historical figures but ancestors who shaped the region's conscience and commit...