1931 Kashmir agitation
A widespread agitation throughout the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in British Raj occurred in 1931 against the Maharaja's government. The Maharaja was forced to appoint the Glancy Commission to investigate the people's concerns. Various political reforms were adopted including the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Praja Sabha. The movement also saw the rise of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah as the leader of Kashmiris. The movement was funded by some well-to-do Muslim Zaildars and business houses.
Events
On 13 July 1931, thousands of Kashmiris flocked to the central jail in Srinagar to see the trial of Abdul Qadeer. As the time for obligatory Zuhr prayer approached, a Kashmiri stood up to deliver the adhan. The Dogra governor, Raizada Tartilok Chand, ordered his soldiers to open fire on them, killing 22 Kashmiris. The people carried the dead through the streets of Maharajganj, Srinagar, chanting slogans opposing Dogra brutality. The incident shook the state, and a week-long period of mourning was observed. Traffic between Srinagar, Rawalpindi and Jammu was halted from 13 to 26 July. Some Hindu shopkeepers jeered the mourners which enraged violence and opportunists looted shops, protests intensified. Anti-Hindu riots began, leading to the death of three Hindus, the wounding of many more, and the looting of Hindu-owned shops.The Hindus retaliated, leading to more clashes between the two groups. The violence spread to Kashmir province and Jammu; three British companies, numbering about 500 soldiers, were sent to support Maharaja Hari Singh and restore law and order. The Government was not permitting any procession or funeral. The 22 Muslims were buried in Mazar-e-Shohada, Srinagar. After few days a bridge called Sangam Bridge was burned. A Committee of Enquiry was appointed with Sir Barjor Dalal, Chief Justice as chairman, two High Court Judges – one from both religions – and 4 Committee Members including two Hindu and two Muslims as nominated by respective communities. But for some reason, the Committee failed to submit any report. Hence, the Government decided to publish unilateral views on disturbance. The incident led to the rise of young Sheikh Abdullah, and his rivalry with the maharaja continued until 1947.