Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Monday that the authorities’ decision to deny political leaders access to the Martyrs’ Graveyard directly contradicts and undermines the administration’s assertions of normalcy in the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah emphasized that those who prevented leaders from paying their respects were transient figures, while the legacy of the martyrs would endure.
Abdullah articulated his perspective, noting that the individuals responsible for barring access to the Mazar-e-Shuhada were temporary visitors. “The people who did not allow us to go to the Mazar-e-Shuhada today are guests for a few days. They are here today and may not be here tomorrow. But these graves of the martyrs were here, are here and will remain here,” he was quoted as saying. He further asserted that the leaders would return to honor the martyrs. “If not today, then tomorrow we will go there again, lay flowers and offer prayers for those martyrs,” he added.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Abdullah believes preventing a small contingent of political figures from visiting the graveyard reflects unfavorably on the decision-makers rather than on those seeking to pay homage. He argued that such actions do not discredit the leaders but rather the authorities who made the decision. “We were not discredited by this. It discredits those who took this decision. It actually calls into question all the claims that have been made about normalcy. On the one hand, we are told everything is normal, but the decisions taken on the ground suggest otherwise,” Abdullah stated.
The Chief Minister also drew a parallel with the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, questioning the necessity of closing the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to facilitate the movement of pilgrims. Abdullah indicated that he could not recall a previous instance where the national highway had been shut down for such a purpose. “I do not remember a time when the national highway had to be shut for traffic to allow safe passage for Amarnath pilgrims. But this year the highway is being closed so that yatris can travel safely. What does that tell you about the security situation?” he inquired.
Furthermore, Abdullah questioned the rationale behind the administration perceiving a visit by a small group of leaders to the Martyrs’ Graveyard as a security concern. He pointed out that the number of individuals involved was modest, typically ranging from 50 to 100 people, and not in the thousands or lakhs. “We don’t go in lakhs, not even in thousands. Perhaps 50 to 100 people. But if they feel threatened even by 100 or 150 people visiting the graveyard, that discredits them, not us,” he concluded.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
