A day before July 13, all paths to the martyrs’ graveyard in Srinagar’s old city area were closed off by authorities. July 13, once a state holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, marked the day when protesters attacked Srinagar Central Jail in 1931. The jail guards’ firing resulted in the death of 22 demonstrators, whose bodies were laid to rest near Naqshband Sahib mosque.
Since 1931, July 13 has been commemorated as Martyrs’ Day, with political figures honoring the fallen at the graveyard. However, this tradition ceased after the changes in 2019, with July 13 no longer recognized as a public holiday. The National Conference has declared plans to pay respects at the graveyard, although access to the site has been restricted by authorities.
The daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti, revealed that her mother was placed under house arrest to prevent her visit to the graveyard. Religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also intended to pay tribute on July 13 but faced restrictions. Security measures have been heightened, with roads leading to the graveyard sealed off and a significant presence of police and CRPF personnel in the area.
