On "Martyrs day", J&K leaders put under house arrest, access to graveyard in old city blocked

Several leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, including members of the ruling National Conference, were placed under house arrest today to prevent them from visiting the Martyrs' Graveyard in Srinagar's old city.

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The leaders had planned to pay tributes to the 22 people killed during a protest against the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh on July 13, 1931.

Authorities sealed all roads leading to the Martyrs' graveyardalso known as Mazar-e-Shohdain the Nowhatta area, deploying heavy contingents of police and central armed forces in several sensitive areas of Srinagar to maintain order.

The Srinagar district administration had last evening denied permission to political parties to visit the graveyard, warning of strict legal action against those violating the order.

"The general public is hereby advised to strictly comply with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders issued by District Administration. Any violation of these orders shall invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law," the Srinagar police said last evening.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the restrictions, calling it "blatantly undemocratic."