In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the memories of Chotta Bazaar carnage, one of the most brutal massacres by Indian troops in the territory, still haunt the Kashmiris even after the passage of over three decades.
A report released by Kashmir Media Service, on the completion of 31 years to the deadly massacre at Chotta Bazaar in Srinagar said that on this day in 1991, the Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) went berserk after an alleged clash with unknown attackers at Zainakadal in the city. It said, the troops opened indiscriminate fire with their automatic weapons all the way from their camp at Syed Mansoor to Chotta Bazaar in the densely populated downtown area of Srinagar. At least 32 people were killed while 22 others were injured in the carnage. The bullets hit shopkeepers, passerby, a 75-year-old woman and a child of ten years age.
The report said that even after the passage of three decades, this bloodcurdling incident still causes a deep stir inside the hearts of the scores of bereaved families whose kith and kin were massacred. It added that 31 years have passed but the memories of Chotta Bazaar massacre are still fresh in the minds of Kashmiri people and the victims have not been delivered justice.
The report said that Indian troops have carried out dozens of massacres like Chotta Bazaar carnage since 1989 to suppress the Kashmiris’ freedom struggle. It pointed out that the aim of committing such brutalities is to instill fear among the Kashmiris and intimidate them into submission. However, it added that bold and resilient Kashmiris are determined to carry forward their freedom struggle till it reaches its logical conclusion.
The report said, massacres in IIOJK are ugly blots on the face of so-called Indian democracy and the international community must take notice of Kashmiris’ genocide by India.
The All Parties Hurriyet Conference leadership paying homage to the martyrs of Chotta Bazaar said no power on earth can defeat the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination movement. It urged the United Nations to take cognizance of Indian state terrorism in IIOJK and play role in granting the Kashmiris their inalienable right.
The APHC leadership added that by killing innocent youth, India cannot suppress the freedom sentiment of the Kashmiri people and they are determined to continue their freedom struggle till complete success.—KMS
