The Omar Abdullah government is about to encounter its first major confrontation with the Lieutenant Governor’s administration as the administration has denied permission for intending political parties, including the ruling National Conference (NC), to hold congregation prayers at the Khawaja Bazar graveyard on the anniversary of Martyrs’ Day, July 13.
Taking to the micro-blogging platform X, the Srinagar police shared the district administration’s decision, “The District Administration Srinagar has denied permission to all applicants intending to proceed towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on 13th July 2025 (Sunday).” The police further urged the public to comply with these instructions, warning that any violations would result in strict legal action under applicable laws.
This year marks the first observance of Martyrs’ Day under the newly elected National Conference government, which had formally requested for the permission to visit the graveyard at Nakshband Sahab Srinagar and reinstatement of July 13 as a public holiday. The day holds deep historical significance in Kashmir, commemorating the sacrifice of 22 civilians killed during protests against the Dogra regime in 1931. Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Martyrs’ Day was officially recognized with state ceremonies and a public holiday. Since then, however, the LG-led administration has scrapped this holiday and restricted access to the graveyard for political leaders.
In a letter to the District Magistrate on July 8, NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar requested security arrangements for party leaders wishing to visit the graveyard. The NC is also advocating for official recognition of both July 13 and December 5—Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s birth anniversary—as public holidays.
National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq expressed determination, saying that his party will proceed to the martyrs’ graveyard on July 13 to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. He said that the administration should grant permission and that NC leaders would visit the graveyard for congregation prayers regardless of opposition from other political factions like BJP.
Other regional parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and JK Apni Party (JKAP), have echoed calls for an official ceremony to honor Martyrs’ Day. Anticipating restrictions, PDP leader Iltija Mufti visited the Khawaja Bazar graveyard a day early to pay homage. In her post on X, she said, “Knowing that tomorrow we’d be prevented from moving out, I managed to pay tributes to our martyrs who laid down their lives on 13th July 1931 for democracy. Their memory is being wilfully erased yet their voices echo in every Kashmiri’s heart that refuses to bow dares to hope.”
As tensions rise, all eyes will be on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as he may considers a visit to the martyrs’ graveyard. Last year, he vowed on social media that such restrictions would not continue, saying, “This is the last year they will be able to do this. From next year, we will mark July 13 with the solemnity and respect this day deserves.”
With several political figures likely facing house arrest again this year to prevent them from accessing the graveyard, the outcome of this confrontation could set a high tone for future tussle between Omar Abdullah’s govt and LG office in Jammu and Kashmir.
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