CM Omar slams media for “burying” detention of elected representatives in J&K

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday lashed out at sections of the local media, accusing them of “cowardice” and “selling out” for allegedly downplaying the detention of elected representatives in Jammu and Kashmir on the anniversary of Martyrs’ Day.

“Take a look at our local newspapers – both from Jammu & from Srinagar, English & vernacular. You’ll be able to distinguish the cowards from the ones with guts,” Abdullah said in a post on X.

He alleged that many newspapers had “completely buried the fact that the entire elected government was locked up yesterday along with most elected representatives” while “the newspapers with some guts have put it on the front page.”

“Shame on the sellouts who buried the story, I hope the size of the envelope was worth it,” Abdullah added, in a veiled reference to alleged financial inducements.

The criticism came after authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar, barring people from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Nowhatta to commemorate the July 13 anniversary.

Police had earlier warned that any attempt to defy orders would invite “strict legal action.”

National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said he and several party leaders, including MLAs and advisors, were placed under house arrest.

“Since last night, I—like many colleagues—have been locked inside my home. This is a deliberate attempt to suppress remembrance and deny us the right to honour the martyrs of July 13,” Sadiq wrote on X.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the restrictions.

“When you lay siege to the Martyrs’ Graveyard and lock people in their homes, it speaks volumes,” she said.

“July 13 commemorates martyrs who rose against tyranny, much like countless others across the country. They will always remain our heroes,” she added.

Abdullah, sharing images of armoured vehicles outside his residence, called the move “blatantly undemocratic.”

“Homes have been locked from the outside, police and central forces deployed as jailers, and major bridges blocked—all to stop people from visiting a historically important graveyard where those who gave Kashmiris a voice lie buried,” he said.

Calling the 1931 massacre “our Jallianwala Bagh,” Abdullah added, “Those who laid down their lives did so against British rule. It’s a shame that true heroes who fought British paramountcy are today projected as villains only because they were Muslims. We may be denied the opportunity to visit their graves, but we will never forget their sacrifices.”

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories, July 13 was dropped from Jammu and Kashmir’s official holiday calendar. — (KIMS)