The authorities in Kashmir on Sunday placed prominent separatist leaders under house-arrest to prevent their proposed joint assembly in old Srinagar on Monday to commemorate the official Martyr's Day.The separatists had chalked out a programme to hold a rally after paying obeisance at the graves of 21 persons who were shot dead by the soldiers of Dogra ruler on July 13, 1931.
This day is regarded as the beginning of freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir. Though the mainstream political class insists that the freedom has been achieved after the end of tyrannical rule in 1947, the separatists say that their "struggle" would continue till the grant of right to self determination to the people of the embattled region.The 1931 martyrs are revered by both separatist and mainstream political leaders.
The Chief Minister arrives at the graveyard early in the morning to pay homage to the martyrs who lays wreath on the graves with full State honour. The graves are in the compound of Khwaja Naqshband shrine at Khwajabazar in old Srinagar. The authorities have persistently prevented separatists to gather at the graveyard citing law and order issues.
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Shah and JKlF chief Yasin Malik were put under house-arrest along-with a host of their senior functionaries and activists. Interestingly, Mirwaiz and malik participated in an Iftaar dinner hosted by Geelani at his Hyderpora residence on Saturday evening that indicated renewed cooperation among the fragmented separatists.
The separatists had announced to hold a joint rally at Martyr's Graveyard to "exhibit their resolve for the resolution of Kashmir issue".Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in his message said the sacrifice of the Martyrs to free the society from autocracy and lay foundation for democracy and human dignity is one of the greatest chapters in the annals of history of Jammu & Kashmir.
"The greatest homage one can pay to the Martyrs is to rise above self and help in creating a tolerant society where everyone can grow in a free democratic atmosphere. let us all come together to develop a virtuous society which is just and guided by principles of secular democratic temperament," he said, while emphasizing upon respect for each other's perspective, which is the essence of a democratic system.
legislator and CPIM State Secretary MY Tarigami said the martyrs were signposts of human rights protection, courage and sacrifice. "Their rich values should guide us in our political and social life", he said.
Meanwhile, officials said that for maintaining law and order, peace and tranquillity in the Srinagar city, restrictions will be imposed on the movement of public and transport in the jurisdiction of police stations Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal and Maharaj Gunj, Maisuma area on Monday.The decision was taken during the high level meeting between the civil administration and top officials of the Police, an official said.
The separatists have denounced the government's decision to impose restrictions and put them under house-arrest. "The aggressive action of the government is a clear cut indication that it was fearful of joint program announced by pro-freedom leadership to observe the July 13 martyrs day", a spokesman of Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat said in a statement.