The memories of Chotta Bazaar Srinagar carnage, one of the most brutal massacres carried out by Indian troops in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, still haunt the Kashmiris even after the passage of over three decades.
According to Kashmir Media Service, on June 11, 1991, Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel opened fire at civilians after an alleged clash with unknown attackers at Zainakadal in Srinagar city.
At least 32 people were killed, and 22 others were injured in the carnage. The victims included shopkeepers, passersby, a 75-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old child.
Even after 33 years, the memories of the Chotta Bazaar massacre remain fresh in the minds of Kashmiri people, who demand justice for the victims and an end to violence in the region.
International community must take notice of genocide of Kashmiris by India.
All Parties Hurriyat Conference paid tributes to the martyrs of Chotta Bazaar, Srinagar, on the occasion of their martyrdom anniversary.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference spokesman, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, demanded an impartial investigation into all massacres carried out by Indian troops in the territory to punish the perpetrators.
The demand was made on the completion of 33 years to the Chotta Bazaar massacre. In 1991, Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force troops opened fire after an alleged clash with unknown attackers at Zainakadal in Srinagar city, killing at least 32 people and injuring 22 others.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter of the All Party Hurriyat Conference organized a condolence meeting in Islamabad, today, to pay tribute to the martyrs of Chhota Bazar Srinagar on their martyrdom day.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the meeting, presided over by Ghulam Muhammad Safi, APHC-AJK Convener , remembered the innocent Kashmiris who were martyred by Indian soldiers on this day in 1991.
Speakers at the meeting paid their respects to the martyrs and condemned the atrocities committed by Indian forces in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They said that the genocide of Kashmiris, destruction of property, harassment of residents, and dismissal of government employees have become commonplace in occupied Kashmir. Despite this brutality, India cannot suppress the freedom spirit of Kashmiris, they said.
The speakers appealed to the international community to take notice of the human rights violations committed by Indian troops and to play their role in resolving the Kashmir conflict, giving Kashmiris their right to self-determination, and protecting their lives. They demanded strict action against Indian soldiers involved in war crimes and an impartial investigation into the massacre incidents. The meeting concluded with prayers for the high status of all martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir.—KMS
