Omar Abdullah Slams July 13 Martyrs’ Graveyard Restrictions, Says History Cannot Be Erased

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday launched a sharp attack on the restrictions imposed on political leaders from visiting Mazar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Graveyard) on July 13, asserting that the sacrifices of the 1931 martyrs cannot be erased through barricades or administrative curbs.Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to the July 13 martyrs at the National Conference headquarters, Omar Abdullah said those responsible for sealing the Martyrs’ Graveyard should first understand the history of Jammu and Kashmir before taking such decisions. He said the martyrs of 1931 laid down their lives while fighting oppression and safeguarding the democratic rights and dignity of the people.The Chief Minister rejected attempts to portray the July 13, 1931 movement through a religious lens, stressing that it was a struggle against injustice, authoritarian rule and suppression of democratic rights, not a communal movement. He accused some quarters of trying to distort the historical significance of the day, adding that history cannot be rewritten by changing narratives.Expressing disappointment over the security arrangements around Mazar-e-Shuhada, Omar Abdullah questioned why political leaders and citizens were prevented from paying tributes despite only a limited number of visitors planning to attend. He said if the administration repeatedly claims that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is normal, such restrictions send a contradictory message.The Chief Minister also pointed out that similar restrictions were not imposed during previous Amarnath Yatra periods, questioning why the memorial visit was treated as a security concern. He said those currently preventing access hold temporary positions, while the people of Jammu and Kashmir will remain and continue to honour the martyrs.“Those who stopped us today will not remain forever. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will remain here, and if not today, then tomorrow or the day after, we will certainly visit Mazar-e-Shuhada to pay our respects,” Omar Abdullah said.Reaffirming his commitment to honouring the July 13 martyrs, the Chief Minister said their sacrifices would continue to be remembered regardless of any restrictions imposed by the authorities.Notably, in July 2025, Omar Abdullah had scaled the boundary wall and locked gate of Mazar-e-Shuhada at Naqshband Sahib after the administration restricted access, in order to pay tributes to the 1931 martyrs.