Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Naqshband Sahib Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar on Monday by climbing over a wall, after allegedly being stopped by security forces. This came just a day after July 13 Martyrs’ Day, when Abdullah and several other political leaders were confined to their homes by the authorities.

Graveyard Sealed, Leaders Confined on Martyrs’ Day

The Jammu and Kashmir Police had sealed the Mazar-e-Shuhada, the cemetery that commemorates protesters killed by Maharaja Hari Singh’s forces in 1931. Political leaders, including Abdullah, were prevented from visiting the site on Martyrs’ Day, a day once marked as an official holiday in the state before the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Omar Abdullah shared on X (formerly Twitter):

“Paid my respects & offered Fatiha at the graves of the martyrs of 13th July 1931. The unelected government blocked my path, forcing me to walk from Nawhatta Chowk. They closed the main gate, so I had to scale a wall. They tried to stop me physically, but I was not going to be held back today.”

Omar Slams Local Media and Centre Over Silence

Abdullah strongly criticized the local media for failing to report that elected leaders were locked inside their homes.

“Take a look at our local newspapers… The cowards buried the fact that the elected government was locked up. Shame on the sellouts,” he posted.

He also took aim at the central government, calling it a “tyranny of the unelected,” and accused New Delhi’s representatives of silencing the voices of democracy in Kashmir.

Visual Proof and Political Solidarity

Omar shared images of police vehicles outside his residence, showing the tight security and restrictions on movement imposed on the region’s elected representatives. Other regional leaders also voiced their concerns.

Key Reactions:

• Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami (CPI-M MLA):

  “Locked inside, denied the right to pay homage. This day reminds us of our martyrs.”

• Tanvir Sadiq (JKNC Spokesperson):

  “Since last night, many MLAs and advisors have been detained. This is an attempt to suppress remembrance.”

• Mehbooba Mufti (PDP Chief):

  “True unity will come when Kashmir’s heroes are also seen as India’s heroes. Locking people in their homes on this day says a lot.”

Background: Why July 13 Matters in Kashmir

July 13 marks the day in 1931 when 22 Kashmiris were killed by the Dogra ruler’s forces during protests demanding civil rights and justice. Until 2019, this day was officially recognized as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion

The incident has sparked political debate over democracy and freedom in Kashmir. With top leaders locked in and graveyards sealed off, the observance of Martyrs’ Day has once again become a symbol of resistance and remembrance for many in the region.