Omar Abdullah Climbs Wall to Pay Tribute at Martyrs' Graveyard in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made headlines on Monday when he climbed over a wall to reach the Martyrs' Graveyard in Nowhatta, Srinagar. His bold move came a day after he and several party leaders were reportedly placed under house arrest, preventing them from observing Martyrs' Day.

Locked Gate Doesn’t Stop Abdullah

In a video, CM Abdullah is seen walking with his cabinet members, covered by heavy police personnel. When they found the gate to the graveyard locked, he didn’t turn back. Instead, he scaled the wall to enter and pay his respects to those who died on July 13, 1931. On social media, he said, “They tried to stop me, but I was determined. At our martyrs' graves, I offered Fatiha.

He also posted another clip showing scuffles with security personnel, alleging he was physically stopped while trying to enter the cemetery.

Political Tensions Over Martyrs' Day

The event followed the administration's move to ban any public observance of Martyrs' Day, a date that holds deep significance for many in Kashmir.

As a tribute to 22 people killed by the Dogra Army outside Srinagar's central jail in 1931, July 13 is marked as 'Martyrs Day' in Jammu and Kashmir. The current administration under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had removed the day from the list of official holidays in 2020.

On Sunday, several leaders from Abdullah's party, the National Conference, were reportedly confined to their homes to prevent any gatherings.

Strong Reactions from Both Sides

Abdullah compared the 1931 killings to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling it an example of resistance against oppression. However, BJP leader Tarun Chugh criticised the comparison, saying the 1931 protest was not about freedom but communal unrest. He also accused Abdullah’s party of ignoring the plight of Kashmiri Pandits during the 1990 exodus.