'Not even a pretense of democracy': J&K's political crisis deepens amidst clampdown on Martyr's Day

By A Representative 

The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has been thrown into turmoil after local authorities denied permission for observing Martyr’s Day on July 13, 2025, a day historically commemorated by Kashmiris. The move, which included keeping the Mazar-e-Shuhada graveyard out of bounds and placing prominent political leaders under house arrest, has drawn sharp criticism from political parties and activists who decry it as a severe blow to democratic principles in the region.

July 13 holds significant historical weight for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, marking the 1931 incident where 22 Kashmiris were killed in police firing by the Dogra ruler Hari Singh's forces. This event is widely considered a pivotal moment in their struggle against tyrannical rule.

Both the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the two major political parties in J&K, had sought permission from the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to observe Martyr’s Day. However, their requests were denied. Adding to the controversy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti, and other ministers and leaders were reportedly placed under house arrest, reminiscent of the widespread clampdown observed in 2019 following the dilution of Article 370 and abrogation of Article 35A.

Omar Abdullah, visibly frustrated, was seen scaling the boundary wall of Mazar-e-Shuhada on July 14 to offer prayers, after alleging he was prevented from doing so for two consecutive days. He condemned the restrictions as "blatantly undemocratic" and asserted that locking elected representatives in their homes and sealing graveyards was an attack on democracy. Mehbooba Mufti also posted images of her locked house on social media, questioning the administration's actions.

The Socialist Party (India) has strongly condemned the actions of the Union Government, stating that July 13, 2025, will be remembered as a "dark day in Indian democracy." In a statement issued by Mir Shahid Saleem, Member, National Committee, Manzoor Lone, Vice President, J&K, and Ishwar Das Khajuria, Observer, J&K, the party asserted that the denial of permission and the house arrests demonstrate "not even a pretense of democracy" in J&K.

The party highlighted the stark difference in treatment for J&K compared to other Indian states, where such restrictions on a Chief Minister and elected representatives would be unimaginable. They argue that while Assembly elections have been conducted, the elected government remains subservient to the LG, effectively leading to "outright rule of the Union government with scant regard for the people’s mandate."

The Socialist Party (India) emphasized that for J&K to truly be an integral part of India, its people must experience the same rights as citizens in other states. They called for the withdrawal of army rule and the transfer of power to the elected government, with the immediate restoration of statehood being the foremost demand.

The incident has reignited concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the autonomy of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, further deepening the sense of alienation among its populace. The Socialist Party (India) has pledged to stand with the people of J&K and continue to fight for the restoration of "real democracy" in the state.