Before the scrapping of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, it was customary for the government, including the chief minister, governor and the Opposition, to visit the martyrs’ graves to pay homage.
By Pravin Kumar
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has denied permission to political parties wishing to visit the ‘Martyrs’ Graveyard in downtown Srinagar on July 13 to pay floral tributes to the 1931 martyrs.
The ruling National Conference and the Opposition PDP were preparing to mark the day after the LG’s administration had cancelled the holiday on July 13, observed for decades as Martyrs’ Day, after the 2019 scrapping of special status.
The District Administration of Srinagar has issued a formal order denying permission to all applicants seeking to proceed toward Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Citing security and public order concerns, the administration has urged the general public to strictly adhere to these directives, warning that any violation will result in stringent legal action under relevant provisions of law.
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The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) had earlier formally sought permission from the district administration to visit Mazar-e-Shuhada on July 13 to pay floral tributes to the 1931 martyrs.
A similar request was also made by the People’s Democratic Party and the leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir APNI party to offer prayers at the martyrs ‘ graveyard.
In a letter addressed to the District Magistrate Srinagar, NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said that the party will observe Martyrs’ Day on July 13, 2025 (Sunday), as per tradition.
Official Directive and Public Advisory
In a public notice released today, the District Administration explicitly prohibited gatherings or processions in the Khawaja Bazar area of Nowhatta, a historically sensitive location in Srinagar. The decision follows a review of applications submitted for public events or movements in the area, amid heightened security measures across the Kashmir Valley.
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“All applications for proceeding towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on July 13, 2025, have been denied,” the official statement read. “The general public is advised to comply strictly with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders.”The administration has not disclosed specific reasons for the prohibition, but sources indicate that the decision aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the region, particularly in light of recent counter-terrorism operations targeting Pakistani terrorists in the Jammu region.
The timing also coincides with preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, which has prompted increased vigilance across Jammu and Kashmir.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
The District Administration has warned that any violation of the order will invite strict legal action under applicable laws. While the specific legal provisions were not detailed in the notice, such measures typically fall under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), including Section 144, which empowers authorities to prohibit public gatherings to prevent disturbances. Non-compliance could lead to arrests, fines, or other penalties, depending on the nature of the violation.
