Authorities Bar Friday Prayers at Jama Masjid in Srinagar Ahead of Martyrs Day Amid Controversy Over Holiday Status

The authorities have barred congregational prayers at Jama Masjid in Srinagar ahead of 'Martyrs Day', a day to commemorate the killing of 22 civilians who rebelled against the Dogra monarchy in 1931. Kashmir's chief cleric Umar Farooq was disallowed to attend the mosque and put under house arrest, fearing he would mention the martyrs in his sermon. Several regional parties are planning to pay tributes at the martyrs' graveyard on Sunday.

The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have barred congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, two days ahead of Martyrs Day, scheduled for July 13. The move comes amid heightened tensions and preparations for the annual commemoration of the 1931 incident, where 22 civilians were killed by the Dogra Army of Maharaja Hari Singh [1].

Kashmir's chief cleric, Umar Farooq, was disallowed from attending the mosque and was put under house arrest, reportedly to prevent him from mentioning the martyrs in his Friday sermon. The Jama Masjid spokesperson emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs are etched in the collective memory of Kashmir and cannot be undone by restrictions [1].

Several regional political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and J&K Apni Party, have written to the district magistrate in Srinagar for permission to visit the martyrs' graveyard on July 13. The NC, which came to power last year, is advocating for the inclusion of July 13 in the list of official holidays and the resumption of official ceremonies at the graveyard [2].

The BJP spokesman, Altaf Thakur, dismissed the martyrs as "goons and rioters," further fueling the political divide. The NC leader, Tanvir Sadiq, countered that the sacrifice of the martyrs is a turning point in Kashmir's history and cannot be erased by any bans or restrictions [1].

The Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also alleged that he was placed under house arrest to suppress the commemoration of the July 13 martyrs. He urged the authorities to lift restrictions and allow peaceful tributes [2].

The Martyrs' Day commemorates the killing of 22 Kashmiris by the Dogra forces in 1931, and it was observed as an official holiday across J&K until 2019-20, when the special status was revoked. The then LG administration dropped Martyrs' Day from the holiday list following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) [3].

The ruling National Conference and other regional parties have begun preparations to commemorate Martyrs' Day, but it remains unclear whether the administration will allow floral tributes at the Martyrs' Graveyard in Srinagar. The NC has submitted a letter to the district commissioner in Srinagar, expressing their hope that the day will be respected and marked in accordance with tradition and sentiment [3].

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/friday-prayers-barred-at-jama-masjid-in-srinagar-ahead-of-martyrs-day-mirwaiz/article69801889.ece
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/jk-mirwaiz-says-he-has-been-placed-under-house-arrest/articleshow/122383234.cms
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/jammu-kashmirs-ruling-regional-parties-start-martyrs-day-action-plan/articleshow/122372683.cms