The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued instructions for the observance of a two-minute silence on January 30, 2026 (Martyrs’ Day) in memory of those who laid down their lives during India’s freedom struggle.
According to an Office Memorandum issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), all Administrative Secretaries have been requested to participate in the observance scheduled at 11:00 am in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the memorandum, officers and officials posted in Jammu will observe the silence at the Meeting Halls on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors of the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, while those stationed in Srinagar will participate from the Meeting Halls on the 4th and 5th Floors of the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
The memorandum, issued by Additional Secretary to the Government Rohit Sharma, JKAS, follows a communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which reiterated that a two-minute silence is observed every year across the country at 11:00 am on January 30 to honour the martyrs of India’s freedom movement.
The MHA has laid down standing instructions stating that all work and movement should stop during the two-minute silence. Wherever feasible, the beginning and end of the silence period may be indicated by sirens or Army gun signals. In places where such systems are unavailable, suitable instructions are to be issued to ensure observance of silence.
The Ministry has also urged States and Union Territories to ensure that Martyrs’ Day is observed with due solemnity, noting that in the past, the general public has often remained unaware of the significance of the occasion. Directions have been sought to be issued to educational institutions and public sector enterprises to observe the day appropriately.
The MHA further suggested organising talks and programmes on the freedom struggle and national integration, including in hybrid mode, to reinforce the spirit of remembrance and unity.
