Omar Abdullah Alleges Police Obstruction During Visit to Shaheed Mazar in Srinagar

By A Staff Reporter

Srinagar:  Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday accused local authorities of attempting to obstruct his visit to Shaheed Mazar in Srinagar, where he went to offer Fatiha (prayers for the departed). Addressing media after the visit, Abdullah expressed his disappointment over what he described as repeated restrictions and misuse of security protocols to curtail his movements.

"It is sad that the people who themselves claim their responsibility is only security and law and order acted in such a way," Abdullah said. "Yesterday, we were kept under house arrest and not allowed to offer Fatiha. When I contacted the control room expressing my wish to visit, within minutes bunkers were put up."

He alleged that the police attempted to stop him again on Monday despite there being no formal restrictions in place for the day. “I didn’t inform them today, yet they tried to stop me again. Some even tried to manhandle me,” he said. “The police sometimes forget the law.”

Abdullah also criticised the authorities’ approach, saying it reflected a disregard for democratic rights. “They think of us as their slaves. But if we belong to anyone, it is to the people,” he added, asserting that he and his party will continue visiting such sites “whenever we feel like.”