SRINAGAR : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, working president of the main opposition National Conference (NC) Omar Abdullah and several other mainstream leaders today paid floral tributes to martyrs of 1931.
Ms Mehbooba, accompanied by a number of minister, including Naeem Akhtar and Aisha Naqash and party general secretary Nizam uddin Bhat, was the first to offer ” Fateha” and pay floral tributes to 22 martyrs at “Mazaar Shohda” at Naqashband Sahib in the downtown under unprecedented security arrangements.
The martyrs were shot dead by Dogra police on this day in 1931 outside the Central Jail, Srinagar.
All roads leading to martyrs graveyard were sealed and large number security forces and state police had been deployed since early this morning and no civilian was being allowed to enter the area. Security forces could also be seen deployed in nearby houses to keep a close watch.
Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar was also present. Paying glowing tributes to the martyrs, Ms Mehbooba described them as brave heroes who laid down their lives against suppression and autocracy and put in place the foundations for democracy in the State.
She said the sacrifices of the martyrs to free the society from autocracy and lay foundations for democracy and human dignity is one of the greatest chapters in the annals of history of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Chief Minister said it is because of the sacrifices of these martyrs that Jammu and Kashmir is having a unique position and status today which needs to be safeguarded.
She said the biggest tribute to these martyrs would be to make Jammu and Kashmir an abode of peace and harmony. “Sustained peace and normalcy are prerequisite for achieving progress and prosperity, especially in a State like Jammu and Kashmir which has suffered a lot because of violence and uncertainties,” she said.
“The greatest homage one can pay to the martyrs is to rise above self and help in creating a tolerant and peaceful society where everyone can grow in a free democratic atmosphere. Let us all come together to develop a peaceful and virtuous society which is just and guided by principles of secular democratic temperament,” she said, while emphasising upon respect for each other’s perspective, which is the essence of a democratic system.
The Chief Minister said her Government has a clear vision of how to achieve the goals of political stability, economic self-reliance and social growth in Jammu and Kashmir and despite enormous challenges, it is working towards seeking permanent and dignified resolution of the multiple problems confronting Jammu and Kashmir and its people.
NC working president Mr Abdullah, accompanied by a number of senior party leaders, including Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul also paid floral tributes and offered Fateha to martyrs.
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief G A Mir and some other mainstream leaders also paid tributes to martyrs.
However, separatist, who had announced to lead processions from different parts of the city towards the martyrs graveyard, remained under house arrest or detained in police stations since Saturday. (AGENCIES)
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