Jammu Kashmir Admin Seals Naqshbandi Shrine, Bars Leaders, Public from Martyrs’ Day Tributes

By
Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
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by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani

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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday sealed the Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi shrine in Srinagar’s Khawaja Bazar to prevent political leaders and the public from commemorating Martyrs’ Day on July 13. The site houses the graves of 22 Kashmiris who were killed by Dogra forces in 1931 while protesting outside Srinagar Central Jail against autocratic rule.

The incident marked the beginning of a political awakening in the region and laid the foundation for the introduction of representative institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Until 2019, July 13 was observed as an official public holiday.

Security personnel erected barricades on roads leading to the graveyard by afternoon, as the authorities denied permission to all political parties and individuals planning to visit the site on Sunday. The shrine complex, which houses the graves of the 1931 martyrs, has traditionally been the epicentre of the annual remembrance. However, this is the sixth consecutive year the day is not being observed officially.

In an advisory issued on X, the Jammu Kashmir Police stated, “The District Administration Srinagar has denied permission to all applicants intending to proceed towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on 13th July 2025 (Sunday). The General Public is hereby advised to strictly comply with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders issued by District Administration. Any violation of these orders shall invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law.”

The advisory followed requests by political parties, including the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Apni Party, seeking permission to visit the graveyard located inside the Naqshband Sahib shrine compound.

The administration’s restrictions came after multiple political parties, including the ruling National Conference (NC), opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Apni Party, sought official permission to visit the Mazar-e-Shuhada and pay their respects. Sources in the administration said that restrictions may remain in place through Sunday to prevent any political congregation or symbolic procession.

Reacting to the move, NC chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq called the restrictions “deeply unfortunate” and “unjust.”

“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,” Sadiq posted on X. “No order can suppress memory. No restriction can erase truth.”

Sadiq, who is considered close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, added that the people of Kashmir “will continue to honour their martyrs peacefully, with dignity, and with unwavering resolve.”

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari termed the denial of permission an “authoritarian act that goes against the very spirit of democracy.” In a statement on X, Bukhari said, “Such measures cannot diminish our respect for these brave souls, nor can they prevent us from paying tributes from the depths of our hearts.”

Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone expressed similar disappointment in a post on X. He wrote, “The memory of the July 13 martyrs is a cherished and a sacred memory. 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, civilians killed post 1989 are also martyrs.”

PDP leader Iltija Mufti managed to visit the site earlier in the day before it was sealed. She posted a short video on X showing her offering flowers at the graves.

“Knowing that tomorrow we’d be prevented from moving out, managed to pay tributes to our martyrs who laid down their lives on 13th July 1931 for democracy. Their memory is being wilfully erased yet their voices echo in every Kashmiri’s heart that refuses to bow & dares to hope,” she wrote on X.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who remained under house arrest for the second consecutive day, had also planned to lead a march from Jamia Masjid to the graveyard on Sunday.
“If the authorities lift restrictions on Mirwaiz tomorrow, July 13, congregational Zuhr prayers will be held at Jama Masjid Srinagar, after which a visit will be made to the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib to pay tributes and offer prayers for the departed souls,” reads a statement from Mirwaiz Manzil (Office of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir).

Sunday’s events come amidst heightened public memory and political assertions. Last year, NC vice-president Omar Abdullah had publicly vowed: “This is the last year they will be able to do this. From next year, we will mark 13th July with the solemnity and respect this day deserves.” The latest restrictions have now cast a shadow over that commitment.

Until 2019, July 13 was observed as an official public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. The day commemorated the killing of 22 civilians outside Srinagar Central Jail who were protesting against the autocratic Dogra regime. The incident marked the beginning of organised political consciousness in the region and eventually led to the formation of representative institutions.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories in 2019, the Lieutenant Governor-led administration removed July 13 from the list of gazetted holidays in 2020. That year, the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of NC, was also dropped from the official calendar.

Political parties have repeatedly demanded the reinstatement of the July 13 holiday. In March this year, PDP MLA Waheed Para moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking its restoration. However, PDP alleged that Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather — a senior NC leader — disallowed the motion. The Speaker later clarified that the resolution, although admitted, did not qualify in the balloting process and thus could not be listed.

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