AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Srinagar, June 11, 2023 (PPI-OT): The memories of Chotta Bazaar, Srinagar, carnage, one of the most brutal massacres by Indian troops in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, still haunt the Kashmiris even after the passage of over three decades. A report released by Kashmir Media Service, on the completion of 32 years to the deadly massacre in Chotta Bazaar of Srinagar said 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, passers-by, a 75-year-old woman and a 10-year-old child.
The report said that even after the passage of over 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 32 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 Indian troops have carried out dozens of massacres like Chotta Bazaar Srinagar carnage since 1989 to suppress the Kashmiris’ freedom struggle. It pointed out that the aim of committing such brutalities was to instill fear among the Kashmiris and intimidate them into submission. However, it said that bold and resilient Kashmiris were determined to carry forward their freedom struggle till it reached 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 Hurriyat Conference leadership and different parties through posters and social media, 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 a role in granting the Kashmiris their inalienable right.
They added that by killing innocent youth, India could not suppress the freedom sentiment of the Kashmiri people and they were determined to continue their freedom struggle till complete success. Meanwhile, people visited the graveyard in Srinagar and paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Kashmir. Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (J and KSM) Altaf Ahmed Bhat in a statement issued in Islamabad deplored that despite repeated demands of judicial inquiry, the victims and their families are still awaiting justice.
For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549
Fax: +92-51-4861736
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Website: www.kmsnews.org