Admin denies permission to political parties for July 13 event

The district administration of Srinagar has officially denied permission to all applicants seeking to march or assemble at Khwaja Bazaar in Nowhatta on July 13, 2025, the day historically observed as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu Kashmir.

In a statement shared on micro-blogging platform X, the Srinagar administration said, “The District Administration Srinagar has denied permission to all applicants intending to proceed towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on 13th July 2025 (Sunday).”

The statement further warned of legal action in case of violations. “The General Public is hereby advised to strictly comply with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders issued by the District Administration. Any violation of these orders shall invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law,” it said.

July 13, known as Martyrs’ Day in Jammu Kashmir, commemorates the killing of 22 unarmed civilians by Dogra forces in 1931 outside Srinagar Central Jail.

The day was formally recognized as a state holiday in 1948 by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, after he assumed power as the head of the interim government after the end of Dogra rule.

His administration institutionalized it as an official day of remembrance, with government functions, flag-lowering ceremonies, and public tributes at the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Khwaja Bazaar.

However, in 2020, after the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the state into two union territories, the new administration removed July 13 from the list of official public holidays. Since then, commemorations on this day have been either discouraged or denied permission altogether.