J&K Administration Bars Political Leaders from Martyrs' Graveyard on Memorial Day

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar, preventing political leaders from gathering at the Martyrs' Graveyard in the old city to pay homage on July 13, observed locally as Martyrs' Day.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with National Conference functionaries including his father Farooq Abdullah, instead offered tributes at the party headquarters. People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also paid her respects at her party office.

Police had sealed the area around the graveyard on Sunday, deploying heavy security. Education Minister Sakina Itoo stated she attempted to visit the graveyard at 4:30 am on Monday but was prevented from entering.

Last year, Omar had breached police barricades and climbed a wall to reach the graveyard. On Monday, he expressed regret, saying, "It is a matter of great regret that today we are not being allowed to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives on July 13 in the struggle against British paramountcy and autocratic rule."

PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticized the administration, writing on X: "I haven't seen such a paranoid administration in J&K before. You can't decide who Kashmiris idolise. For us, the 22 martyrs who laid down their lives in 1931 to sow the seeds of political consciousness and dignity are our heroes."

The July 13 date commemorates the deaths of 22 Kashmiris killed outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931 during a protest against the Dogra ruler. In January 2020, nearly six months after the abrogation of Article 370, the Jammu and Kashmir administration removed July 13 and December 5 from the list of public holidays. December 5 was previously observed as the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, founder of the National Conference.