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Omar Abdullah slams house arrests, restrictions on Kashmir Martyrs’ Day observance

On the anniversary of the 1931 killings in Kashmir, several political leaders were put under house arrest as the J&K administration denied permission for any public tribute.

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Omar Abdullah

On the solemn anniversary of the 1931 Kashmir massacre, a day long regarded as a landmark in the region’s political history, key political leaders were placed under house arrest and all commemorative events were barred by the Jammu and Kashmir administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

July 13 marks the killing of 22 protestors by the forces of then Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh outside Srinagar Central Jail. They were demonstrating in support of Abdul Qadeer, who had urged the people to rise against the autocratic rule. Since then, the day has been observed as Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, honoring the sacrifices made during the struggle against oppression.

However, this year, the administration imposed severe restrictions across parts of Srinagar, denying permissions for any public observance or gathering. Warnings of strict action were issued against those attempting to proceed towards the Martyrs’ Graveyard.

Omar Abdullah calls denial of tributes “shameful”

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed strong condemnation over the government’s actions, stating that July 13, 1931, was equivalent to “our Jallianwala Bagh”. He remarked that those who resisted British-backed rule should be remembered as freedom fighters, not vilified. “What a shame that true heroes who fought against British rule in all its forms are today projected as villains only because they were Muslims,” Abdullah posted on X.

He, along with several ministers, MLAs and party leaders, was reportedly put under house arrest to stop them from visiting Mazar-e-Shuhada.

Mehbooba Mufti, Sajad Lone also barred from paying respects

PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the government for locking people inside their homes and denying them the right to honor historical martyrs. She said the spirit of national unity — as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to bridge “dil ki doori” — will only be fulfilled when Kashmir’s heroes are accepted with the same respect as national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh.

Sajad Lone, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, also confirmed that he was placed under house arrest. He questioned the Centre’s intent behind “redefining what is sacred” for the people of Kashmir. “Histories that are etched in blood don’t vanish,” he said.

From official tributes to silent suppression

Prior to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, July 13 was observed officially in Jammu and Kashmir, with police salutes and public ceremonies at the Martyrs’ Graveyard. However, since the reorganization of the state into two Union territories, such commemorations have been discontinued. July 13 and December 5 (Sheikh Abdullah’s birth anniversary) were removed from the list of public holidays, while Maharaja Hari Singh’s birth anniversary was added.

In a letter to the Lieutenant Governor, the National Conference demanded the restoration of the July 13 holiday and public observances, but the administration refused.

The decision to bar people from marking the day has reignited debates about Kashmir’s political identity and historical memory — especially when related to the early resistance against monarchy and colonial-era interference.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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PM Modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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