Leaders in Jammu and Kashmir Claim House Arrest on Martyr’s Day
On July 13, several political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, claimed they were put under house arrest. This action was allegedly taken to prevent them from paying homage to those killed by the Army on this day in 1931.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Statement
Mehbooba Mufti posted on social media, stating, “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. The sacrifices of our martyrs are a testament that the spirit of Kashmiris cannot be crushed. Today even observing it in remembrance of the protesters martyred on this day has been criminalized.”
Omar Abdullah’s Reaction
Omar Abdullah also expressed his outrage, saying, “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. 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 & respect this day deserves.”
Sajad Lone’s Criticism
Sajad Lone, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) chairman, also claimed he was put under house arrest. He criticized the administration, stating, “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. People have a right to choose their heroes. And the martyrs are heroes for the people of Kashmir. Why be in denial and why on earth would a 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.”