Politics hots up in Kashmir Valley over Martyrs’ Day

Ahead of the observance of Martyrs’ Day on July 13 in Jammu and Kashmir, political temperatures are rising as Hurriyat Conference chairman and chief cleric of Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday claimed he was placed under house arrest and barred from offering prayers at the mosque.

“Disallowed to go to Jama Masjid today, put under house arrest, fearing the mention of the martyrs of 13th July 1931 in my Friday sermon!” Mirwaiz wrote in a post on social media platform X.

He said the sacrifices of those martyrs—and all others since—remain etched in the collective memory of Kashmir and cannot be erased through restrictions or bans.

“No living nation can forget the supreme sacrifice of its martyrs in the struggle against tyranny and injustice,” he said.

Mirwaiz urged authorities to lift the restrictions and allow people to peacefully pay tribute to the martyrs of July 13.

“Inshallah, if allowed—as per our tradition—we will visit the Martyrs’ Graveyard on July 13th after Zuhr prayers to offer homage to the revered martyrs,” he added.

Reacting to the development, National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said it was “deeply unfortunate and unacceptable” that Mirwaiz had once again been detained at home and prevented from fulfilling his religious duties.

“Silencing a religious leader, especially ahead of July 13, dishonours not just his voice but also the legacy of our martyrs,” Sadiq said.

He added that July 13, 1931, marked a turning point in Kashmir’s history—a courageous stand against oppression.

“No bans or restrictions can erase the memory of that sacrifice. Kashmir will always honour its martyrs with dignity, peace and truth,” he said.

Sadiq further told reporters that the NC had officially requested permission to visit the graveyard and intends to proceed with the plan. “We sent a letter yesterday seeking permission. We will go there to offer prayers,” he said.

However, PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Para wrote on X, “Why has the J&K govt distanced itself from July 13?.”

“Neither the Chief Minister nor any of the top official or the CMO officials have taken charge of its revival or reviewed it’s preparedness,” he added.

Meanwhile, several political parties have submitted similar requests to the Srinagar District Magistrate, seeking permission to visit the Martyrs’ Graveyard in the old city on Sunday to pay their respects.

Martyrs’ Day is observed in memory of 22 civilians who were killed on July 13, 1931, while protesting against the Dogra regime.

As of now, it remains unclear whether Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha—who heads the Home Department—will grant permission to political leaders to visit the site.

J & K