Normal life came to a grinding halt in Kashmir Valley on Thursday as the authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in the jurisdiction of seven police stations in capital Srinagar and south Kashmir’s Shopian to thwart separatists’ plans to hold protests in the backdrop of 86th Martyr’s Day.
The day is officially observed as holiday and regarded as milestone in the Kashmir history in fight against feudal rulers. While the separatist leaders were either detained or house-arrested, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti arrived in the morning at the Martyr’s Graveyard situated in old Srinagar’s Khwajabazar area along with Cabinet colleagues belonging to her own party to pay homage. The BJP Ministers have not taken part in official functions related to the Martyr’s Day.
The Martyr’s Day is regarded as symbol of Kashmiri’s resistance against the autocratic Dogra rule that ended with the partition of sub-continent. On this day in 1931, 22 Kashmiris were killed by Dogra militia in the premises of Srinagar Central Jail who had assembled to listen to verdict against an Afghan national Abdul Qadeer Khan. Khan had been arrested after he delivered a fiery speech in historic Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar asking the people to herald a revolt against the despotic rulers. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who later played pivotal role in acceding Jammu and Kashmir with the union of India, began his political career from the July 13 happenings.
Mehbooba Mufti arrived at the Martyrs’ Graveyard amid tight security. She offered prayers at the graves and laid floral wreaths. A guard of honour was presented by a contingent of the state police on the occasion.
The BJP leaders and ministers skipped the official function for the third consecutive year. The party, which has support base in Jammu region, is opposed to commemoration of the martyr’s day.
Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and Congress Chief G A Mir also visited the graveyard and laid floral wreaths. While paying tributes to the July 13 Martyr’s Abdullah lashed out at BJP for staying away from the state function.
In her message, Chief Minister said the brave hearts of 1931 sacrificed their lives for laying a strong edifice of democracy, equality and liberty in the State which ought to be safeguarded, respected and protected by every citizen.
Governor NN Vohra in his message observed that Jammu and Kashmir has been known for its glorious pluralistic ethos, amity and brotherhood, and urged the people to work towards restoring the pristine glory of the State as an abode of peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, the authorities did not allow the separatist leaders to reach the martyrs graveyard. Octogenarian Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani is under house since 2010, JKlF chairperson Yasin Malik has been detained in central jail Srinagar. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq attempted to march towards the graveyard by defying restrictions on his movement but a contingent of police took his into custody soon after he came out of his residence at Nigeen in outskirts of Srinagar.
However, independent legislator Sheikh Rasheed defied restrictions to reach to the graveyard. Speaking on the occasion Rasheed said Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah had no right to offer tributes to the martyrs of 13 July 1931. “While Mehbooba Mufti’s coalition partners didn’t even recognise the sacrifices of 13 July, NC leadership is itself confused as it has been always silent to call Maharaja an autocrat and anti-Kashmiri,” he said.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted in Safakadal area of Srinagar, Memender in Shopian and Pulwama town in south Kashmir. The separatists had called for a shutdown on July 13 as part of weeklong programme announced to commemorate the first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani.
The internet and train services were blocked in the Valley for the day.
Meanwhile, the district administration Srinagar has decided to impose restrictions in Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of seven Police Stations on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad lone said that the restrictions under section 144 will be impose in Srinagar areas falling under the jurisdiction of seven Police Station including Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, MR Gunj, Safakadal, Maisuma and Kralkhud. The restrictions will be imposed as a precautionary measure, officials said.