Srinagar, July 13,: Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar remained out of bounds for political leaders and the public on Monday as authorities imposed security restrictions across parts of the city to prevent gatherings on the occasion of July 13, with several mainstream leaders claiming they had been placed under house arrest or prevented from reaching the cemetery.
Large-scale deployment of security forces, concertina wire barricades and restrictions on movement were witnessed around the Martyrs’ Graveyard and adjoining areas, effectively preventing political leaders, party workers and members of the public from offering floral tributes or reciting prayers at the graves of those killed on July 13, 1931.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of attempting to politicize the legacy of the July 13 martyrs, asserting that their sacrifices remain an inseparable part of Kashmir’s history. Comparing their legacy with that of Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajguru and Sukhdev, she said the people of Kashmir would continue to remember the martyrs irrespective of official restrictions. Unable to visit the graveyard, Mehbooba, accompanied by party workers, offered floral tributes at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar, where the party also displayed banners and posters commemorating the martyrs.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti alleged that she had been placed under house arrest ahead of the observance, claiming the restrictions contradicted claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. She also alleged that political opponents were being detained whenever considered convenient.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also claimed he had once again been placed under house arrest and said all roads leading to Mazar-e-Shuhada had been sealed. In a message posted on social media, he paid tributes to the July 13 martyrs, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of Kashmir’s struggle for justice, dignity and human rights. He said physical restrictions could not erase their place in the collective memory of the people.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo said she attempted to visit the Martyrs’ Graveyard at around 4:30 am but was prevented from entering due to heavy deployment of security personnel and extensive barricading around the cemetery. She said the sacrifices of the martyrs would continue to be honoured regardless of physical barriers.
Former minister and National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar also paid tributes to the July 13 martyrs, describing their sacrifices as an enduring inspiration in the struggle for democratic rights and identity. The National Conference, meanwhile, alleged that Sagar and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar had been kept under house arrest since Sunday, saying such restrictions could confine people but not their ideas.
PDP leader Zuhaib Yousf Mir also claimed he was placed under house arrest after attempting to march towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard to pay homage. He said the restrictions would not diminish the significance of the sacrifices made by the July 13 martyrs.
July 13 was officially observed as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu and Kashmir before the 2019 constitutional changes, commemorating the 22 people who were killed outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931. The official holiday and state function associated with the occasion were discontinued after the reorganization of the erstwhile state. [KNT]
