IIOJK CM Omar Abdullah climbs wall to enter martyrs’ graveyard amid curbs in Srinagar

Chief Minister of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Omar Abdullah was compelled to climb over the boundary wall of the Mazar-e-Shuhada graveyard in Srinagar to pay homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, after access to the site was blocked by security forces.

On July 13, 1931, 22 Kashmiris were killed by the troops of the Dogra Maharaja outside Srinagar Central Jail as they gathered in solidarity with Abdul Qadeer, who had been charged with inciting dissent against Dogra rule. The day is commemorated annually in Kashmir as Martyrs’ Day.

Security forces had sealed the graveyard and imposed movement restrictions, preventing political leaders from reaching the site to mark the anniversary of the uprising.

In a post on X, Abdullah said, “Paid my respects & offered Fatiha at the graves of the martyrs of 13th July 1931. The unelected government tried to block my way, forcing me to walk from Nawhatta Chowk. They blocked the gate to Naqshband Sb shrine forcing me to scale a wall. They tried to physically grapple me.”

Paid my respects & offered Fatiha at the graves of the martyrs of 13th July 1931. The unelected government tried to block my way forcing me to walk from Nawhatta chowk. They blocked the gate to Naqshband Sb shrine forcing me to scale a wall. They tried to physically grapple me… pic.twitter.com/IS6rOSwoN4

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 14, 2025

Speaking to the media later, the National Conference vice president claimed that a security bunker had been placed outside his residence to obstruct his visit.

“Today I did not inform anyone. I quietly drove here myself,” he added.

Footage from the site also showed senior National Conference leader Sakina Itoo arriving at the location on a scooty, reflecting the efforts made by party members to defy the restrictions and pay tribute at the graveyard.