Kashmir ‘Martyrs Day’: Mehbooba, Other Politicians Claim They Are Under ‘House Arrest’

SRINAGAR: Several political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, claimed on Saturday that they were placed under “house arrest” by authorities to prevent them from visiting the ‘martyrs’ graveyard’ to pay homage to the 22 Kashmiri people killed by the army of a Dogra ruler on this day in 1931. However, there was no official confirmation of these claims.

Mehbooba Mufti, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, stated that she was put under “house arrest” at her residence in Khimber on the city’s outskirts. Her claim was highlighted on X, where she expressed her grievances.

“The gates of my house have been locked up yet again to prevent me from visiting Mazar e Shuhada – an enduring symbol of Kashmir’s resistance and resilience against authoritarianism, oppression, and injustice,” she said.

Mufti further reflected on the historical and cultural importance of the sacrifices made 92 years ago, emphasizing the ongoing struggles. “The sacrifices of our martyrs is a testament that the spirit of Kashmiri’s cannot be crushed,” she said. She continued by saying, “today even observing it in remembrance of the protesters martyred on this day has been criminalized.”

Referring to the significant political changes in Jammu and Kashmir, she added, “On 5th August 2019, J&K was dismembered, disempowered, and stripped of everything that was sacrosanct for us. They intend to erase each one of our collective memories.”

Mufti concluded her post with a statement of resilience. “But such assaults will only strengthen our determination to continue the fight for our rights and dignity.”

Another political leader, People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone, also shared his experience of being put under house arrest. “For no reason informed of being under house arrest. I really fail to understand what the administration gets in stopping people from going to the martyrs’ graveyard,” Lone said on X.

Expressing his confusion and frustration, he added, “People have a right to choose their heroes and the martyrs are heroes for the people of Kashmir.”

“Why be in a denial and why on earth non-resident government need to meddle in it. Actually believing that a government will decide on what has been historically heroic and who are the historical heroes is an unambiguous sign of despotism,” he said.

National Conference (NC)’s provincial president, Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, also faced similar obstacles, with the gate of his residence being locked by police. “The gate has been locked and police personnel deployed to stop us from going to pay our respects at martyrs’ graves. I don’t understand why. We will always remember their sacrifices,” Wani said.

The party’s youth wing president, Salman Sagar, experienced parallel measures and posted visual proof of his house gates being locked. Sagar stated that the administration was restricting their political activities.

Earlier, police had stopped leaders of the Apni Party from visiting the “martyrs’ graveyard.” Members, led by their president Altaf Bukhari, attempted to march from their Sheikh Bagh office to the graveyard in Naqshband, approximately 5 km away, but were halted by police. The group then held “fateh” prayers on the road, paying tributes to the 22 Kashmiris.

NC vice president Omar Abdullah weighed in on these events, linking them to the wider political future of the region. “Another 13th July, Martyr’s Day, another round of locked gates and police excesses to stop people from paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives to establish a just, fair and democratic regime in J-K,” Abdullah said on X.

Detailing his optimism for the future, Abdullah stated, “Everywhere else in the country these people would have been celebrated but in J-K the administration wants to ignore these sacrifices. This is the last year they will be able to do this. InshaAllah, next year we will mark 13th July with the solemnity and respect this day deserves.”

The Supreme Court has instructed the Union government to conclude the process of conducting assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30 of this year, adding another layer to the political narrative.

NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi expressed his disappointment and concern regarding these actions. He highlighted the administrative shift away from democratic values. “Stopping people from paying their respects was not only disrespect to the idea of democracy but also a huge and ugly shift from the values over which the nation was founded,” Mehdi said.

He continued, “The police and administration which used pay homage to those brave hearts are now told to block the ways heading towards that graveyard and put locks on the doors of those who want to go and pay their respect to those heroes.”

Historically, July 13 was a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, featuring a grand official ceremony where either the chief minister or the governor would be the chief guest. This changed after the abrogation of Article 370, with the day being removed from the list of gazetted holidays in 2020.

Despite the current restrictions and absence of official events, mainstream political leaders previously visited the martyrs’ graveyard to honor the 22 Kashmiris who were killed by the Dogra army while protesting Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule.

This year, in addition to no official functions, officials confirmed some restrictions on the assembly of people in the Naqshbandh area of Nowhatta, aimed at thwarting gatherings and maintaining law and order. (PTI)