Authorities on Monday, 13 July imposed partial restrictions across five police station areas in the old city of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of Martyrs Day observances called by regional political parties including the ruling National Conference (NC). The curbs cover Khanyar, Nowhatta, M.R. Gung, Safa Kadal, and Zadibal, with police clarifying that emergency movement in these areas remains unaffected.

Routes to Martyrs Graveyard Sealed

Since Sunday evening, all roads leading to the Martyrs Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Nowhatta have been sealed. Entry from the Khanyar side and the route from the Nowhatta-Jamia Masjid side have both been closed, with police vehicles stationed at each point. Heavy deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel has been made outside the graveyard, and vehicular movement on all approach roads has been suspended.

Historical Significance of July 13

The date carries deep historical weight in the Kashmir Valley. On 13 July 1931, guards at the Srinagar central jail opened fire on protesters who had gathered outside the facility where Abdul Qadeer, a Pathan butler, was being tried for delivering a provocative speech against the Maharaja's rule. 22 protesters were killed in the firing. Their bodies were taken in a large procession and buried in the courtyard of the Naqsband Sahib mosque, and the date has since been observed as Martyrs Day.

Until 2019, July 13 was a state public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, with the ruling party traditionally laying floral tributes at the graveyard. Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two union territories, the holiday was removed and the official observance was discontinued.

Political Parties Defy Restrictions

Despite the sealed routes, the National Conference announced that its leaders and workers would attempt to visit the graveyard to pay floral tributes to the 1931 martyrs. Senior religious leader and chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had also announced on Friday that he would lead a peaceful procession to the site.

Iltija Mufti, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, told reporters on Sunday that authorities had placed her mother under house arrest to prevent her from reaching the graveyard. Given the complete access restriction, it is unlikely that any political delegation will be permitted entry.

Security Posture and What Comes Next

Additional security personnel have been posted at all entry and exit points around the graveyard, and the administration's posture signals a firm intent to prevent any gathering. This comes amid a broader pattern of heightened security on politically sensitive dates in the Valley since 2019. How the National Conference — now the ruling party in the union territory — responds to being denied access to a site it has historically used for public tribute will be closely watched by political observers.