A fresh political storm erupted in Jammu and Kashmir on July 13, 2025, after Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was allegedly manhandled by police as he attempted to pay tribute at the Naqshband Sahib graveyard on Martyrs’ Day. The incident, which unfolded in full public view, has drawn strong condemnation from Opposition leaders across the country, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the law enforcement authorities’ actions.

Omar Abdullah, who intended to commemorate the 22 Kashmiri martyrs killed by the Dogra army in 1931, was initially put under house arrest along with other leaders of the National Conference and allied Opposition parties, reportedly to prevent them from reaching the memorial site. Despite the restrictions, Abdullah managed to evade security forces, reaching the graveyard where he climbed over the locked main gate to enter and perform Fatiha (prayers).

The event triggered immediate political backlash, with Opposition parties accusing the Centre and J&K administration of suppressing democratic rights and humiliating an elected Chief Minister.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media platform X to condemn the act, writing, “What is wrong in visiting the graveyard of martyrs? This is not only unfortunate, it also snatches the democratic right of a citizen. What happened this morning to an elected Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah is unacceptable. Shocking. Shameful.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also raised concerns, questioning whether it was appropriate to treat a democratically elected leader in such a manner. He stated that the Centre is systematically stripping powers from elected governments across states, drawing a parallel from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu.

The issue was further amplified by Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, who slammed the administration for silencing an elected leader while allowing unelected officials to run the narrative. “It is reprehensible that the unelected police and administration of Delhi are trying to control an elected Chief Minister,” she said, adding that Leaders were being treated like criminals in their own homes.

CPI General Secretary D. Raja issued a stern statement, calling the incident a blatant attack on democratic principles. “This is not just a breach of norms; it’s a direct assault on the conscience of the nation,” he wrote. He also demanded the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir to allow elected representatives to function freely.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav responded to the incident with a poetic jibe, expressing sorrow over the state of democracy in J&K, and hinted at how such actions fuel alienation and unrest rather than governance.

In contrast, the BJP defended the police, claiming that Omar Abdullah escalated the situation by engaging with officers instead of following lawful instructions. Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, said, “It is very unfortunate that an elected Chief Minister jumps over the boundary wall of Mazar-e-Shuhada and engages in a scuffle with police.” He warned that such actions could provoke youth and trigger unnecessary unrest, adding, “We form laws; we should not take them into our own hands.”

Responding to the controversy, Omar Abdullah addressed the media, declaring, “We are nobody’s slaves. We are only the slaves of the people here.” He claimed that he and other leaders had been house-arrested from early morning on Martyrs’ Day. “When I told the control room I wanted to go recite Fatiha, within minutes bunkers were placed outside my house,” he added.

He also alleged that police tried to tear the National Conference flag, and despite all barriers, he succeeded in paying tribute to the martyrs. “They forget these graves will always remain here. They stopped us on July 13, but for how long can they continue to do so? We will come here whenever we want and remember the martyrs,” he said defiantly.

The entire episode has reignited debates over the status of democracy and civil liberties in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the conversion of the state into a Union Territory. Since then, several political leaders have claimed that power has been centralised and that elected voices are being silenced, often through administrative overreach.

Political analysts have noted that such incidents undermine public trust and contribute to the deterioration of Centre-state relations. Many have also pointed to the symbolic significance of Martyrs’ Day in Kashmir, stating that denying access to memorials on such occasions only fuels alienation and resentment.

Several civil rights groups and regional parties have now begun to press for a broader conversation on restoring statehood, ensuring freedom of movement, and respecting constitutional rights. They argue that without political dignity for elected leaders, no democratic process can truly be representative.

In conclusion, the manhandling of Omar Abdullah by police on Martyrs’ Day has exposed deep rifts in the political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir and has become a flashpoint for wider Opposition protest. As the BJP stands firm in its defence, calling it a matter of law and order, the Opposition is escalating its demand for accountability, restoration of statehood, and respect for elected representatives.

The incident is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming weeks, with leaders using it as a case study in the ongoing debate over federalism, democracy, and governance in Kashmir. The voice of the people, many say, must not be muffled behind barricades—especially not on a day meant to remember those who died for dignity and freedom.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Savy Infra, Monika Alcobev, NSDL.

The Current active IPO are Anthem Biosciences, Spunweb Nonwoven.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.