J-K Martyrs’ Day: Curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar parts

Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar city on Saturday to prevent separatist called protests in connection with the Martyrs Day. Police sources said restrictions have been imposed in parts of Old City areas. July 13 is observed as Martyrs Day in Jammu and Kashmir to remember those killed in the firing outside the Srinagar Central Jail by forces of the Dogra Maharaja in 1931. It is a public holiday in the state.

The 22 martyrs were laid to rest in the premises of the revered shrine of Hazrat Khawja Naqshband Sahab shrine (RA) at Khajwabazar in downtown. The graveyard is popularly known as Martyrs Graveyard. 

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, State Congress party president G.A. Mir,  M.Y.T Arigami, state secretary of CPI-M, Engineer Rashid, President of Awami Ittehad Party, Ghulam Hassan Mir, President Democratic Party Nationalist and Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, chief of Peoples Democratic Front paid tributes to the martyrs’.

Farooq Abdullah said in a statement: “1931 stands out as a milestone in the history of Jammu & Kashmir. It was a fight of tyrannized against tyrants, of the oppressed against the oppressors. The day paved the way for a more organized struggle against the autocratic and oligarchic rule. It was then when one of the dying martyrs that had asked Sher-e-Kashmir: I have done my duty, now you proceed. Sher e Kashmir fearlessly carried forward the sacred mission of the martyrs unto his last breath.  It is now for the coming generations to carry forward the mission of those martyrs. The notable contribution of the martyrs of 1931 shall be remembered for all the times to come. On this day I pay my glowing tributes to each one of them. I salute their supreme sacrifice.”

The Amarnath Yatra was also suspended following the shutdown call by separatists. “Taking stock of the law and order situation because the protest shutdown called by the separatists today, movement of the pilgrims from Jammu to Srinagar will remain suspended today,” police sources said.