Srinagar, July 14 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday questioned the role of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, saying those who often claim that their responsibility is limited to security and law and order must explain why elected representatives were stopped from offering prayers at the Martyrs’ Graveyard.
Speaking to reporters outside Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, Omar alleged that despite not informing authorities of his visit today, attempts were again made to block his movement and restrict the democratic space.
“The same people who claim that their responsibility is only law and order, didn’t let us step out yesterday. I infomed the control room that I wanted to visit the graveyard, and within minutes, a security bunker was placed right outside my residence gate, it remained there till midnight.”
He said that on Monday, without informing anyone, he decided to visit the graveyard quietly. “Even today, they shamelessly tried to stop us. A CRPF vehicle was parked in the middle of Nowhatta Chowk to block our movement. They even attempted to attack us,” Omar alleged.
He questioned the legality of such actions. “Which law allows them to stop elected representatives from paying tribute to martyrs? Is this democracy or dictatorship? They say India is a free country, but treat us like slaves,” he said.
Omar said that if he is a servant, he is a servant of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We are not anyone’s slaves. We are answerable to the people, not to uniformed officers who misuse power and violate the law.”
Despite the alleged obstacles, Omar said they succeeded in offering prayers. “They thought we only come here on July 13. They forget these graves are here every day of the year. We will come whenever we want, July 12, 14, 15, December, January or February. How long will they stop us?” he asked.
Omar also claimed that police tried to seize their party flag. “They tried everything to stop us, block our way, tear our flag. But they failed. We paid our respects, and we will continue to honour our martyrs,” he added.
A day after political leaders were stopped from visiting Mazaar-e-Shuhada in Srinagar due to restrictions, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, provisional president Showkat Mir and other senior leaders visited the site to offer prayers and pay homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931.(KNS)
