Political outrage in Kashmir over ban on Martyrs’ Day Observance

The ruling National Conference (NC) and other Kashmir-based political parties on Saturday criticized the district administration for banning the observance of Martyrs’ Day in downtown Nowhatta, Srinagar, on 13 July.

In a post on X, the District Administration Srinagar announced on Saturday evening that permission had been denied to all applicants intending to proceed towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta, on 13 July (Sunday).

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“The general public is hereby advised to strictly comply with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders issued by the District Administration.

Any violation of these orders shall invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law,” the Srinagar Police stated.

The NC’s chief spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, criticized the administration’s decision.

He said, “It is deeply unfortunate that on a day of profound historical and emotional significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the District Administration has chosen to bar peaceful tributes to the martyrs of 13 July 1931 at Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta.”

“July 13 is not a routine date; it is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dignity, justice, and rights. Denying people the space to remember their martyrs is fundamentally unjust. We urge the administration to reflect on the gravity of this decision. No order can suppress memory. No restriction can erase truth.

The people of Kashmir will continue to honour their martyrs peacefully, with dignity, and with unwavering resolve,” Sadiq added.

Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone also expressed his disapproval in a post on X, saying, “The memory of the July 13 martyrs is a cherished and sacred one. Not allowing a day of remembrance will not erase their memory or in any way dilute the sacrifices they rendered. We support any proposal to officially re-declare July 13 as a holiday. It is the least that we can do for those who laid down their lives. For us, all non-combatants and civilians killed post-1989 are also martyrs.”