Srinagar, Jul 13: Authorities imposed security curbs across key areas of Old Srinagar on Monday, rendering Naqshband Sahab completely inaccessible and effectively preventing political leaders, party workers, and the public from paying tributes to the 22 martyrs of July 13.
Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces, backed by extensive concertina wire, barricades, GI sheets, plastic barriers, and checkpoints, sealed off the graveyard and surrounding localities including Nowhatta, Khawaja Bazaar, M R Gunj, and Khanyar. Roads leading to the site were blocked from the previous day, with restrictions extending to a 1-km radius around Naqshband Sahab.
Movement was tightly regulated in downtown Srinagar, and the public was advised to comply with orders or face legal action.
The measures came as a precautionary step to maintain law and order and avert any gatherings on the anniversary, which was once observed as an official Martyrs’ Day with state functions before the 2019 reorganisation discontinued the holiday.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo made an early morning attempt to visit the graveyard around 4:30 am but was stopped by heavy security deployment and barricading.
Accompanied by NC Women’s Wing Provincial President Sabiya Qadri, she highlighted the physical barriers but affirmed that the martyrs’ sacrifices remain etched in memory.
NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar were reportedly kept under house arrest since Sunday, however, they were allowed to attend a function in the morning.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti alleged detention for herself and her mother Mehbooba Mufti, questioning the government’s narrative of normalcy.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was placed under house arrest and noted that all roads to the Mazar-e-Shuhada were sealed.
In a social media post, he paid tributes, stating the martyrs’ sacrifices remain central to Kashmir’s struggle for justice, dignity, and human rights.
These curbs echo last year’s events, when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah scaled the boundary wall and gate of the graveyard after authorities locked access, forcing police to eventually open the gates amid high drama involving other NC leaders.
Leaders across parties decried the restrictions as undermining democratic rights and collective memory.
The National Conference described the 1931 martyrs’ sacrifices as an enduring inspiration in the fight for democratic rights and identity.
The July 13 incident commemorates the killing of 22 Kashmiris outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931 during protests against “autocratic Dogra rule”.
While the day once featured official observances and processions, post-2019 policies have discontinued such state recognition, leading to repeated restrictions on commemorations.
A top police official described the deployments as “precautionary measures,” stating that any attempt by leaders to move would be restricted.
