By Tehelka Web Desk
Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Monday imposed tight security restrictions around the Martyrs’ Graveyard (Mazar-e-Shuhada) in Srinagar, preventing political leaders from visiting the site to pay tributes to the 22 civilians killed during the 1931 uprising against the Dogra monarchy.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the July 13 martyrs had fought for democracy and against British paramountcy and monarchy, rejecting attempts to portray the movement through a religious lens.
“People laid down their precious lives fighting against Britishers, British paramountcy in J&K, monarchy and for democracy in J&K. There was nothing religious about it. Who imposed restrictions should read history. They are trying to look away from the role played by locals in the country’s freedom struggle,” Abdullah said while addressing a commemoration event at the National Conference headquarters in Srinagar.
The Chief Minister also criticised the security restrictions, saying they contradicted claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Such (security) measures question all the claims made about normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. On the ground, nothing appears normal. I don’t remember the time when the national highway was closed for the Amarnath yatra. What does it tell you about the security situation? The fact is they are uncertain about the calm that prevails. Not more than 150 would have assembled at the graveyard but they even fear that,” he said.
Without naming anyone, Abdullah added: “These graves are and will be there. One day we will pay floral tributes and offer fateh to them.”
Security was intensified across parts of Srinagar’s old city from Sunday, with roads barricaded and additional personnel deployed around the graveyard.
Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he had been placed under house arrest and was unable to visit the graveyard.
“It is painful and unfortunate that the people of J&K are prevented by force and paying homage to the martyrs. All roads leading to the Mazar-e-Shuhada are blocked and barricaded and restrictions imposed around Jama Masjid Srinagar. I was placed under house arrest,” he said.
He added that the civilians killed in 1931 had laid the foundation for the struggle for human rights and dignity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre had removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, following which July 13 was dropped as an official public holiday by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also alleged that its leaders were prevented from visiting the graveyard, with several reportedly placed under house arrest. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the party headquarters.
“These martyrs fought against the monarchy and oppression in J&K and for a democratic set up. Unfortunately, the BJP turned these martyrs into a Hindu-Muslim issue. They are our heroes like Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqullah Khan and Gandhi ji. The role they played in the region’s history could never be erased. It’s unfortunate that the BJP does not allow us to pay tributes to them,” Mufti said.
Senior National Conference leader and minister Sakina Itoo attempted to reach the graveyard early Monday morning, reportedly wearing a burqa to evade restrictions. However, she said she was stopped by security forces.
“Due to the heavy deployment of security forces and extensive barbed-wire barricading around the graves, I was prevented from entering (inside the premises f the shrine). 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,” Itoo said.
