ANI/X
New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah claimed they were put under house arrest on Kashmir Martyrs' Day. This allegedly aimed to prevent them from visiting Mazar-e-Shuhada. Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shared a picture on social media platform X, showing the locked gate of her residence. In her post, she expressed her frustration with the authorities.
"The gates of my house have been locked up yet again to prevent me from visiting Mazar-e-Shuhada - an enduring symbol of Kashmir's resistance and resilience against authoritarianism, oppression, and injustice. The sacrifice of our martyrs is a testament that the spirit of Kashmiris cannot be crushed," she wrote. Mufti emphasized that even remembering the martyrs had been criminalized.
The gates of my house have been locked up yet again to prevent me from visiting Mazar e Shuhada - an enduring symbol of Kashmir’s resistance & resilience against authoritarianism, oppression & injustice. The sacrifices of our martyrs is a testament that the spirit of Kashmiri’s… pic.twitter.com/Q3cHoHyryp
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 13, 2024
Every year on July 13, leaders from all mainstream parties in Kashmir visit Mazar-e-Shuhada in Srinagar. This is a day to pay homage to the 22 protesters who were killed by the Maharaja's army in 1931. This act of remembrance is crucial for many Kashmiris who view it as a symbol of their struggle for justice.
Mehbooba Mufti criticized the central government, stating that the house arrest was an attempt to erase collective memories of Kashmir's history. She reflected on the events of August 5, 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked, describing it as a day when the region was "dismembered, disempowered, and stripped of everything that was sacrosanct for us." She asserted that such actions would only strengthen the determination of Kashmiris to fight for their rights and dignity.
Omar Abdullah, vice president of the National Conference, also voiced his anger on X. He condemned the police for their actions to stop people from honoring those who died fighting for a just and democratic regime in Jammu and Kashmir.
Another 13th July, Martyr’s Day, another round of locked gates & police excesses to stop people from paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives to establish a just, fair & democratic regime in J&K. Everywhere else in the country these people would have been celebrated but…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 13, 2024
"Another July 13, Martyr's Day, another round of locked gates... Everywhere else in the country, these people would have been celebrated, but in J&K the administration wants to ignore these sacrifices. This is the last year they will be able to do this. Insha Allah next year we will mark July 13 with the solemnity and respect this day deserves," Abdullah posted.
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