South Asia Human Rights Journalist Association

July 13, 2019   Srinagar: Normal life was crippled in the Kashmir valley due to general strike called by pro-freedom groups as on this day in 1931, twenty-two Kashmiris were killed in firing by  Dorga forces during Dogra rule outside the Central Jail, Srinagar. The authorities also imposed restrictions in Srinagar to prevent a march towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib in Srinagar, today.
Kashmir is under president rule since Dec 2019 under the regime led by BJPs governor Satya Pal Malik, imposed restrictions in downtown Srinagar, today, by deploying Indian troops and police personnel in strength. The restrictions have been imposed in view of a march towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, tomorrow.
It is to mention here that it was on the 13th of July 1931 when the troops of Dogra Maharaja had killed 22 Kashmiris, one after the other, outside Central Jail in Srinagar during the court proceedings against one Abdul Qadeer who had asked Kashmiri people to defy the Dogra rule.
The authorities have also suspended train service in the valley.
It is to mention here that on this day in 1931, the troops of Dogra Maharaja had killed 22 Kashmiris, one after the other, outside Central Jail in Srinagar during the court proceedings against one Abdul Qadeer who had asked Kashmiri people to defy the Dogra rule. Thousands of people had gathered outside the court to show their solidarity with Abdul Qadeer. As the time for obligatory Zuhr prayers approached, one of the youth stood up and started reciting Azan. He was shot dead by the Dogra soldiers and next youth started the Azan where it was left by the martyred youth. He was also killed and in the process of completing the Azaan a total of 22 Kashmiris were martyred, one after the other. Since then, the Kashmiris observe July 13 as Martyrs’ Day.
The firing incident took place when people had assembled outside the jail, where court proceedings against Abdul Qadeer were taking place for asking people to defy the Dogra rule. As a mark of respect to the martyrs, the state observes official holiday on this day every year. Governor Satya Pal Malik and leaders of different political parties and separatists paid tributes to the martyrs.
The authorities had imposed restrictions in parts of the downtown, including around the Martyrs grave yard at Naqashband Sahib Khawaja Bazar since early this morning to prevent people from assembling there. Historic Jamia Masjid also remained closed and large number of  forces remained deployed near the worship place, where no Friday prayers could be offered due to restrictions.
Shops and business remained closed in the civil lines and other areas in summer capital, Srinagar. Traffic was also off the roads. However, banks, educational institutions and offices remained closed on account of official holiday today. Private vehicles and some cabs and three-wheelers were plying on some routes.
Reports of complete shutdown were also received from district and tehsil headquarters in north, south and central Kashmir districts.
Meanwhile, authorities have already suspended train service for security reasons in the Kashmir valley. 
Authorities disallow Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid
Srinagar, July 12 : The authorities disallowed people to offer Friday prayers, today, at historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.