Jammu and Kashmir Minister Denied Access to Martyrs' Graveyard on July 13
On Monday, July 13, Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Itoo attempted to visit the Martyrs' Graveyard in downtown Srinagar but was prevented by security forces, according to a video she posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In the video, Itoo, clad in a burqa, is accompanied by Sabiya Qadri of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). Security personnel are seen guarding the graves.
Itoo, who holds portfolios of School Education, Health and Medical Education, and Social Welfare, wrote: 'I tried to visit the Mazar-e-Shuhada at 4:30 am today to pay my humble tributes to our martyrs of 13th July. However, due to the heavy deployment of security forces and extensive barbed-wire barricading around the graves, I was prevented from entering.'
Authorities have sealed all roads leading to the cemetery, which police have declared a no-go area. Inspector General of Police VK Birdi stated, 'No leader has been put under house arrest today. But the area at Naqashband sahib (Martyrs graveyard) is a no-go zone. We have put restrictions in the area and no one will be allowed to visit there today.'
July 13 has historically been observed in Jammu and Kashmir as Martyrs' Day, commemorating 22 civilians killed in 1931 during a protest against the Dogra ruler Hari Singh under British rule. Until 2019, the day was a public holiday marked by a gun salute and floral tributes at the graveyard, with political leaders participating in events. However, after the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which ended Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated the state into two Union territories, the administration has prohibited any official or unofficial functions at the site.
In the same vein, July 13 and December 5 (Sheikh Abdullah's birth anniversary) were dropped as official holidays, while the birth anniversary of Dogra ruler Hari Singh has been declared a public holiday. Last year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was placed under house arrest on July 13.
On Sunday, Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, claimed that they had been put under house arrest ahead of Martyrs' Day. Police did not deny restrictions around her home but stated that no political leader had been detained or placed under house arrest.
Itoo added in her post: 'Physical barriers cannot prevent us from honouring the supreme sacrifices of our martyrs. Their memory, courage, and legacy will forever remain alive in our hearts. We will continue to pay our tributes with dignity and unwavering respect.'
