Stringent security measures for Martyrs day in Srinagar

Stringent security measures are likely to be put in place around the Naqshband Sahib graveyard where chief minister Omar Abdullah and other leaders will pay floral tributes on Martyrs day tomorrow.
   

The chiefs of rival factions of Hurriyat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have announced rallies at the graveyard though none of them have sought permission from the authorities.
   

"We have not received application from any of the Hurriyat factions for holding any rally tomorrow," said district magistrate Srinagar Meraj Ahmad Kakroo.
   

He said since prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC were in force in the city, the authorities will not allow any illegal assembly of people as it can lead to law and order problem.
   

More than 22 men were shot dead by soldiers of Kashmir's Dogra ruler on July 13, 1931 after people of Kashmir had risen against the autocratic rule of the Maharaja.

A senior police officer said that rallies by Hurriyat factions in the past had turned unruly and violent, leading to loss of life and property.
   

"We have sent our recommendations to the government in this regard. Whatever the decision, we will implement it," he said.
   

Chief minister Omar Abdullah is expected to lead mainstream politicians in paying tribute to the martyrs. Opposition PDP leaders Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti are also likely to visit the graveyard.
   

Omar, in his message on the eve of the Martyrs day, described them as "heroes" of the struggle against suppression and totalitarianism.
   

The chief minister said their sacrifice to free the society from autocracy and lay edifice for democracy and human dignity is one of the richest chapters of the history of state.
   

"The best way to pay homage to the martyrs is to help create equitable and palatable environment for everyone to grow and nurture in a democratic atmosphere," he said.

The state secretary of CPI(M), M Y Tarigami, appealed the political forces to come forward for making the state a prosperous and peaceful state through collective efforts.
   

"We should resolve to fight injustices of all kinds and work for a common cause of well being of the people," he said.
   

The MLA said the sacrifices made by the martyrs against autocracy inspired the people to strive for establishment of a true democratic setup in the state.
   

Meanwhile, chairman of moderate Hurriyat faction Mirwaiz Umar Farooq accused the state government of launching a crackdown on the activists of the amalgam.
   

He said the Hurriyat rally from Jamia Majid to the graveyard at Naqshband Sahib will go ahead as per schedule tomorrow and called for a complete shutdown. The Mirwaiz said the Centre wanted to give an impression of having a serious dialogue on Kashmir through its interlocutors but described the process as a "farce".

The Mirwaiz said the dialogue process between India and Pakistan or Centre and Srinagar will not bear any results unless the ground situation in Kashmir changes and the rights of the people are restored.
   

The Hurriyat chairman welcomed the tourists and Amarnath pilgrims in the Valley saying the separatists have never tried to put obstacles in their visit to Kashmir as the local economy was tourism-based.