Several prominent political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have alleged that they were placed under house arrest to prevent them from participating in the Martyrs’ Day function on July 13 in Srinagar, drawing strong condemnation across the political spectrum.
National Conference (NC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq, representing the Zadibal constituency, said that he and many of his colleagues, including top party leadership at Gupkar, the chief minister’s advisor, and a number of sitting MLAs, had been confined to their homes overnight.
“This is a deliberate attempt to suppress remembrance and deny us the right to honor the martyrs of July 13,” Sadiq posted on X. “Such actions are deeply insensitive and reveal a disturbing disregard for our history.”
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the restrictions “blatantly undemocratic.” He criticized the administration for stopping people from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard—where 22 civilians killed during an uprising against Dogra rule in 1931 are buried—saying, “I will never understand what the law-and-order government is so afraid of.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who remained under house arrest for the second consecutive day, also paid tribute to the 1931 martyrs. In a statement issued Friday, he said he was barred from delivering his sermon at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid, fearing he would speak about the events of July 13.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs are etched in Kashmir’s collective memory and cannot be erased through restrictions and bans,” he said, urging the administration to allow people to peacefully visit the Martyrs’ Graveyard.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the clampdown. “When you lock people in their homes and lay siege to the Martyrs’ Graveyard, it sends a clear message. July 13 marks the sacrifice of those who stood against tyranny—just like many others across India. They will always be our heroes,” she said.
The criticism follows the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to deny all political parties—including the NC—permission to hold any commemorative event at the Martyrs’ Graveyard. Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah were scheduled to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony that was ultimately blocked.
Srinagar police confirmed the restrictions, citing orders from the district administration, and warned of strict action against anyone attempting to defy the ban.
Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the killing of 22 civilians by Dogra forces on July 13, 1931, was historically observed as a public holiday in the erstwhile state. The uprising marked a key moment in Kashmir’s political awakening, eventually leading to the region’s first assembly elections.
However, since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the day has been dropped from the Union Territory’s list of public holidays. In its place, the administration introduced September 23—Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary—as a public holiday. The birthday of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, NC founder and Omar Abdullah’s grandfather, was also removed from the official calendar.
Since these changes, authorities have repeatedly barred political gatherings at the Martyrs’ Graveyard and imposed restrictions on movement, especially on former chief ministers and other key leaders.
