L-G to take call as Valley parties mull to visit Martyrs Graveyard on July 13

With July 13—commemorated as ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in Jammu and Kashmir—approaching, all eyes are on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha whether he will permit political leaders to mark the day at the historic Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar on Sunday. The L-G heads the Home Department in the Union Territory.

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Before the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir administration officially observed July 13 as Martyrs’ Day. Top officials would visit the Martyrs’ Graveyard in the old city, and the day was marked as a state holiday. However, post-2019, the L-G-led administration not only scrapped the holiday but also restricted political leaders from visiting the site.

Martyrs’ Day is held in memory of 22 civilians who were killed while protesting against the Dogra regime on July 13, 1931—an event that holds deep historical and emotional significance in the Valley.

This year marks the first Martyrs’ Day under the newly-elected government led by the National Conference (NC).

During last year’s observance, several political leaders were placed under house arrest, prompting Omar Abdullah, who now is the chief minister, to say, “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.”

Since coming to power, the NC government has formally requested L-G Manoj Sinha to reinstate the July 13 holiday, along with the holiday marking the birth anniversary of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

In a letter addressed to the District Magistrate of Srinagar, NC general secretary and MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar requested security arrangements for party leaders visiting the graveyard.

“Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is observing Martyrs’ Day on July 13 (Sunday) as usual… Necessary security arrangements at Mazaar-e-Shuhada may kindly be made,” the letter reads.

He also requested that the administration confirm or allot an appropriate time slot for the visit to avoid confusion. “Further, it is requested to kindly confirm the proposed timing or allot a timing so that there is no confusion whatsoever. The party will adhere to the timing allotted,” Sagar wrote.

According to the NC, party president Farooq Abdullah, along with senior functionaries, will lead the visit to the graveyard.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also held a meeting on Thursday, following which it announced that its entire leadership had “unanimously resolved” to visit the graveyard to pay tribute to the 1931 martyrs.

The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party too has written to the Srinagar District Magistrate seeking permission for its leaders to offer prayers on July 13 at the graveyard.

Similarly, Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference (PC) has announced it will participate in the observance. Last year, Lone alleged he was placed under house arrest to prevent his visit.

“Our leaders will also visit the Martyrs’ Graveyard to offer prayers on July 13,” said PC spokesperson Salman Bukhari.

Even the party of jailed MP Engineer Rashid has reached out to the administration, requesting permission for its leaders to attend and also to organise a seminar. “We plan to hold a seminar in connection with the day,” said party chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi.