JAMMU, January 29, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued formal instructions for the observance of a two-minute silence on January 30, 2026 (Martyrs’ Day) in remembrance of those who sacrificed 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 at 11:00 am, to be held in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the memorandum, officers and officials posted in Jammu will observe the silence in the Meeting Halls on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Floors of the Civil Secretariat, Jammu. Those stationed in Srinagar will participate from the Meeting Halls on the 4th and 5th Floors of the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
The directive, 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 reiterated its standing instructions that all work and movement must come to a complete halt during the silence period. Wherever feasible, the commencement and conclusion of the silence may be indicated by sirens or Army gun signals. In places where such systems are not available, suitable alternative arrangements are to be made to ensure strict observance.
The Ministry has also urged all States and Union Territories to observe Martyrs’ Day with due solemnity, noting that in the past, the wider 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 mark the day appropriately.
Additionally, the MHA has suggested organising talks, discussions and programmes on India’s freedom struggle and national integration, including in hybrid mode, to reinforce the spirit of remembrance, unity and national consciousness.
