Kashmir Leaders Barred From Visiting Graveyard On Martyrs' Day

This is the second consecutive year that functions have been stopped; last year - the first July 13 celebration since Article 370 was scrapped - no official ceremonies were allowed

Heavy security was deployed around a Srinagar graveyard today to prevent political leaders and others from paying their respects on Martyrs' Day - a day traditionally observed as an assertion of the people's fight for democracy and remembered for the killing of 22 people on July 13, 1931. We pay our humble tributes to the Martyrs of July 13, 1931. The heroes who laid their lives inspired millions to live with DIGNITY. Their sacrifices will always be remembered.We observe this day to reiterate our commitment to fight evil with kindness. Salute & Respect. Nevertheless as we pay homage to the heroes of 13th July, 1931 our resolve to strive for restoration of J&Ks dignity remains firm. It was only in the aftermath of those deaths, and the public movement that followed, that Maharaja Hari Singh was forced to hold the first Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir in 1934. For over 70 years after independence the day - July 13 - was observed as a state holiday, but after Article 370 was scrapped in August 2019 the administration cancelled 'state holiday' status. No state function is held at the graveyard, no wreaths are laid and no gun salutes are fired.