Controversy Over House Arrests on Martyrs' Day Sparks Outrage

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her disapproval over the house arrest of Jammu and Kashmir's Omar Abdullah and his ministers, who were detained to stop them from visiting a graveyard dedicated to those killed by Dogra forces in 1931.

Banerjee labeled the action as 'unfortunate' and a violation of democratic rights. She posted on social media, questioning the necessity of such a move and condemning the treatment of an elected Chief Minister as 'unacceptable, shocking, and shameful.'

Abdullah and several other political figures opposed the restriction, with Abdullah scaling the graveyard gates on Monday to honor the 22 people killed on July 13, 1931. The day is commemorated as 'Martyrs' Day' in Jammu and Kashmir, although it was removed from the official holidays list in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)