Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday alleged that she was placed under house arrest to prevent her from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar on July 13, while questioning the government’s claims of “normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir.
Her daughter, PDP leader Iltija Mufti, first made the claim on Sunday, saying she and her mother had been confined to their home ahead of Martyrs’ Day.
“We have been placed under house arrest on the eve of Martyrs’ Day for reasons best known to J&K Police. This is the normalcy they claim to have established in Kashmir?” Iltija posted on X.
She further alleged that the local government was “hand in glove” with the police and accused it of using law enforcement “to demolish homes and place opponents in detention when convenient.”
Police Say No Political Leader Was Detained
Jammu and Kashmir Police denied placing any political leader under house arrest.
Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi said, “No leader has been put under house arrest today. But the area at Naqashband Sahib (Martyrs’ Graveyard) is a no-go zone. Restrictions have been imposed and no one will be allowed to visit there today.”
Authorities sealed roads leading to the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar’s old city and deployed heavy police and CRPF personnel around the area.
Minister Sakina Itoo Says She Was Stopped
Jammu and Kashmir minister Sakina Itoo also claimed she was prevented from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard early Monday morning.
Sharing a video on social media, she said, “I tried to visit the Mazar-e-Shuhada at 4:30 am today to pay my humble tributes to our martyrs. However, due to the heavy deployment of security forces and extensive barbed-wire barricading around the graves, I was prevented from entering.”
She added, “Physical barriers cannot prevent us from honouring the supreme sacrifices of our martyrs. Their memory, courage and legacy will forever remain alive in our hearts.”
Mehbooba Accuses BJP of Politicising History
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of trying to divide Jammu and Kashmir by giving a communal colour to the legacy of the 1931 martyrs.
“The BJP has made the sacrifice of Kashmiris a question of Hindu-Muslim, Dogra-Kashmiri, Jammu-Kashmir,” she said.
Referring to those killed on July 13, 1931, she said, “The martyrs awakened our nation and laid the foundation for the political consciousness we see today.”
Drawing parallels with India’s freedom movement, Mehbooba said her party respects all freedom fighters equally, including Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and Ashfaqullah Khan.
She also alleged that authorities prevented her from paying tribute at the Martyrs’ Graveyard.
“Yesterday they arrested me, today they have locked me up. This is the injustice of BJP. If they cannot respect our martyrs, then at least they should not stop us,” she said.
PDP Raises Concerns Over Detentions
Earlier, the PDP’s core committee expressed concern over what it described as an “atmosphere of fear and uncertainty” in Jammu and Kashmir.
The party alleged that frequent raids, searches and detentions had created insecurity among ordinary people. It also raised concerns over prolonged detention of prisoners, claiming that in some cases fresh cases were filed even after courts granted bail.
Why July 13 Is Observed
July 13 is observed by several regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir as Martyrs’ Day to commemorate the 22 people who were killed outside Srinagar Central Jail in 1931 while protesting against the Dogra administration.
The day remained an official public holiday until 2020, when it was removed from the list of gazetted holidays following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the former state into two Union Territories.
Since then, authorities have not permitted official or public gatherings at the Martyrs’ Graveyard, while regional parties continue to mark the day by paying tributes.
