Omar Abdullah Scales Wall to Pay Tribute at Srinagar Martyrs’ Memorial Amid Security Curbs
Omar Abdullah Scales Wall to Pay Tribute at Srinagar Martyrs’ Memorial Amid Security Curbs
Last Updated Jul - 14 - 2025, 05:09 PM | Source : Fela News
J&K CM Omar Abdullah bypassed security to reach the Martyrs’ Memorial in Srinagar, alleging house arrest on July 13. He questioned police restrictions and reaff
Omar Abdullah Scales Wall to Pay Tribute at Srinagar Martyrs’ Memorial Amid Security Curbs
On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah bypassed security barricades and scaled the boundary wall of the Mazar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs' Memorial) in Srinagar to pay tribute to those killed while protesting the Dogra regime in 1931. Abdullah claimed security forces had prevented him from visiting the site on Sunday, July 13—observed in the region as Martyrs’ Day—by placing him under house arrest.
He said he came unannounced the following day after being denied access the previous day. "Those responsible for maintaining law and order didn’t let us offer Fatiha yesterday. Residents were confined to their homes. Even when I informed the control room that I wished to visit, a security bunker was set up outside my gate and wasn’t removed till late at night," said Abdullah. "So today, I didn't tell anyone. I just got into my car and left," he added.
The National Conference leader said security forces again tried to prevent his visit on Monday. "They stopped us at Nowhatta Chowk, placed a bunker in front of us, and even tried to manhandle us. I want to ask under which law they did this today—restrictions were only for yesterday. They claim this is a free country, yet they act like we are their slaves. If we are anyone’s slaves, it is only the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said.
**Why is July 13 observed as Martyrs' Day in Jammu and Kashmir?**
On July 13, 1931, 22 Kashmiri protestors were shot dead by the forces of then-Maharaja Hari Singh outside the Srinagar Central Jail. The protestors were demanding justice for Abdul Qadeer, who had called upon Kashmiris to rise against the Dogra regime and had been charged with sedition. This day is widely regarded as a turning point in Kashmir’s political awakening and has been commemorated for over 70 years.
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