Srinagar, July 13, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday launched a sharp attack on the authorities for preventing political leaders from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard, asserting that those imposing restrictions may hold power today, but history would remember the sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs long after they are gone.
Speaking to reporters after being stopped from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard, Omar said the people who prevented them from offering tributes were “temporary custodians of power” whose tenure would eventually come to an end, while the memory of the martyrs would continue to inspire generations.
“Those who prevented us from paying tribute to the martyrs are guests for a few days. They are here today but will not remain tomorrow. The martyrs were here before them, they are here today, and they will remain in our hearts forever. We will continue to pay our tributes to them,” he said.
Rejecting attempts to portray July 13 through a religious prism, the Chief Minister said the events of 1931 represented a people’s struggle against autocratic rule and injustice rather than a communal issue.
Recalling the historical background, Omar said the 22 people who laid down their lives had risen against an oppressive system and their sacrifices marked an important chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s political history.
He maintained that those responsible for imposing restrictions on the annual observance should revisit the history of Jammu and Kashmir before attempting to reinterpret the significance of the day.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came amid tight security across Srinagar, with roads leading to the Martyrs’ Graveyard sealed and several political leaders alleging that they had been placed under house arrest or prevented from visiting the cemetery. [KNT]
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