Hawal Massacre Anniversary: Justice Remains Elusive for Victims

Srinagar, As the 34th anniversary of the Hawal massacre is observed, the victims of this tragic event continue to await justice. This incident is marked by the loss of Kashmiri lives due to Indian military action during a funeral procession.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the massacre occurred on May 21, 1990, during the funeral of Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq, which drew thousands of mourners to Srinagar’s Hawal area. The gathering turned tragic when Indian troops fired indiscriminately at the crowd, resulting in 72 deaths and over 200 injuries. Reports from the time indicate that Indian forces had blocked all escape routes prior to the attack, significantly heightening the casualties.

The Hawal massacre remains a poignant example of the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights in the region, highlighting a stark violation where even a solemn funeral was not spared from violence.