Kashmir leaders placed under house arrest on Martyrs’ Day amid tensions

Several senior political leaders in Srinagar were reportedly placed under house arrest on Martyrs’ Day, Sunday, as authorities moved to block their visit to the historic Martyrs’ Graveyard, where 22 civilians were killed in 1931 protesting the Dogra regime.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the action as “blatantly undemocratic,” accusing the administration of deploying police and central forces outside leaders’ homes and blocking major bridges across Srinagar to prevent public access to the site.

The Srinagar administration had denied permission for political parties to hold any gatherings at the graveyard. Though police and district officials did not officially confirm the detentions, photos circulated on social media showed locked gates and heavy police presence around the residences of ministers and political figures.

Omar Abdullah described the July 13 massacre as Kashmir’s “Jallianwala Bagh,” lamenting that the freedom fighters are now portrayed as villains due to their religious identity. “We may be denied the opportunity to visit their graves today, but we will not forget their sacrifices,” he said.

Political tensions escalated on social media. PDP MLA Waheed Para criticized the Chief Minister’s absence from Kashmir on the day, calling it “disowning July 13.” In response, NC spokesperson Ifra Jan accused Para of failing to challenge the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration during the crackdown.

Minister Sakina Itoo also alleged she and colleagues were placed under house arrest to prevent them from paying tribute to the martyrs.

While the Kashmir Valley saw strict restrictions, the Jammu wing of the National Conference held a tribute event attended by Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and other senior leaders.

The BJP accused the ruling National Conference of “distorting history” and glorifying “aggressors and fundamentalists.” BJP leader Pawan Sharma condemned Omar Abdullah’s remarks equating rioters with freedom fighters, calling them “an insult to the nation.”