Shazia Shah | Kashmir Pen
Srinagar, July 13: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday strongly criticised the authorities for preventing National Conference leaders and workers from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard (Mazar-e-Shuhada) to pay tribute to the July 13 martyrs, describing the restrictions as a disregard for the sacrifices made during the struggle against British rule and for democratic rights.
Addressing a press briefing, Omar Abdullah said the decision to seal the Martyrs’ Graveyard reflected a misunderstanding of Jammu and Kashmir’s history. He argued that the 1931 martyrs should be remembered for their role in the fight for justice, democracy and freedom, and not judged through the prism of religion.
“Their sacrifice cannot be ignored. This was not a battle of one religion against another; it was a struggle for principles, democracy and freedom,” he said, adding that while governments may come and go, the memory of the martyrs would endure and his party would continue to honour them.
Responding to questions about a legal notice reportedly issued by the BJP over his recent remarks, the Chief Minister said he had received only an electronic copy through a lawyer and had not been formally served with any summons. Calling it a “political response through the courts,” Omar Abdullah said he had made his remarks from a public platform expecting a political rebuttal rather than legal action.
He also announced that the National Conference would initiate legal proceedings against certain BJP leaders whom he accused of making defamatory and baseless allegations against the party and its leadership over the past several months.
On the proposed National Conference protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Omar Abdullah said the party was awaiting permission from the Delhi Police, which was expected within the prescribed time frame.
Referring to the restrictions imposed on his party, the Chief Minister said such measures did not discredit the National Conference but instead raised questions over claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed to heightened security arrangements during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the restrictions on a small group of party workers visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard, saying these reflected continuing security concerns despite official assertions of normalcy.
The Chief Minister concluded by expressing regret over the restrictions and reiterated that the National Conference would continue to pay homage to the martyrs whenever permitted.