J&K CM Omar Abdullah condemns Martyrs’ Day curbs as “blatantly undemocratic” amid claims of house arrest

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly criticized the Jammu & Kashmir administration on July 13, labeling the pre-emptive restrictions surrounding Martyrs’ Day commemorations in Srinagar as “blatantly undemocratic.”

Abdullah claimed that multiple homes were physically locked from the outside, central security forces acted as jailers, and major city bridges were blocked to prevent visits to the Naqshband Sahib Martyrs' Graveyard—the resting place of 22 Kashmiris killed during the 1931 uprising under Dogra rule.

Abdullah compared the incident to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, denouncing the portrayal of those killed as villains “only because they were Muslims” and warning that denying access to the graveyard would not erase their legacy.

Opposition leaders echoed his criticism. Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) called for recognition of Kashmiri martyrs as Indian heroes, stating that rebuilding trust requires such acknowledgment.

Tanvir Sadiq, an NC spokesperson, asserted that many party leaders—including himself, MLAs, and advisors—were confined to their homes to prevent paying tribute, calling the actions “deeply insensitive” and repressive.

Sajad Lone of the J&K People’s Conference also claimed house arrest, questioning the government’s motives in redefining what is sacred to Kashmiris.

The Srinagar Police confirmed that permission for public gatherings at the graveyard was denied and that restrictions have been in place since the revocation of the state’s special status in 2019—a move that ended July 13 as a formal public holiday.

However, officials have not acknowledged detaining any political leaders, despite widespread claims to the contrary.

For nearly a century, July 13 had been commemorated officially as Martyrs' Day in Jammu & Kashmir until the day lost recognition following the reorganization of the region in August 2019.

Abdullah and local political leaders argued that restricting access to the cemetery is an attempt to erase collective memory and silence dissent.