People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday criticized the Union Territory administration for allegedly restricting access to Mazar-e-Shuhada, the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar, on the occasion of July 13 Martyrs’ Day, stating that the “distance of hearts” between Kashmir and the rest of India will truly end only when Kashmiri heroes are equally honoured.
Mufti took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, “The day you accept our heroes as your own, just as Kashmiris have embraced national heroes like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh, that day—as Prime Minister Modi once said—the ‘dil ki doori’ will truly end.”
The remarks came amid widespread allegations that local residents and regional political leaders were locked inside their homes, and access to the graveyard was blocked to prevent public gatherings. Mufti accused the administration of besieging the Martyrs’ Graveyard and attempting to suppress historical remembrance.
“July 13 commemorates our martyrs, those who rose against tyranny, much like countless others across the country. They will always be our heroes,” she added.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed the criticism, alleging that police and central forces had “locked homes from the outside,” acted like “jailers,” and blocked major bridges in Srinagar to stop people from paying homage. “What is the government so afraid of?” he questioned.
Abdullah likened the July 13, 1931 massacre to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, calling it a defining moment in Kashmir’s history under British Paramountcy. “It’s a shame that those who fought colonial oppression are now being vilified only because they were Muslims,” he said, adding, “We may be denied the opportunity to visit their graves today, but we will not forget their sacrifices.”
JKNC spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq also claimed that numerous party leaders, including himself and those at Gupkar, had been confined to their homes. “This is not just unfortunate—it’s a deliberate attempt to erase history and suppress remembrance,” he posted.
The July 13 Martyrs’ Day, long observed in Jammu and Kashmir, commemorates the deaths of 22 protesters killed in 1931 during a demonstration against the Dogra monarchy. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the day is no longer officially observed by the administration, but it remains a symbol of resistance and remembrance for many in the region.
