Amid ‘restrictions’, J&K parties pay tributes to 1931 ‘martyrs’
Authorities in Srinagar restricted access to a graveyard where 1931 uprising victims are buried, preventing local political leaders from paying tributes. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the security measures, arguing they contradict official claims of normalcy in the region.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding civil liberties and the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir under the current administration.
Authorities on Monday (July 13, 2026) barricaded the graveyard in Srinagar, where 22 civilians killed during the 1931 uprising against Dogra monarchy are buried, and allegedly imposed restriction on the leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir parties from visiting it. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said such measures belied the claims of normalcy in Kashmir.
Senior National Conference (NC) leader and minister Sakina Itoo made an attempt to reach the graveyard, locally known as Mazar-e-Shuhada at the Naqshband Sahib Shrine, around 4:30 a.m. wearing a burqa (head-to-toe veil), apparently to escape the security restrictions.
“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,” said Ms. Itoo.
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