By: Ahmad Najeeb
Srinagar: Unlike previous anniversaries, the bridge where 58 marchers fell to the bullets of “ruthless” ruler in Kashmir’s first massacre of the political turmoil, Gawakadal today on its 28th anniversary witnessed desolated scenes.
“This is I think the first anniversary on which the area has witnessed normal conditions despite the deployment of CRPF and police personals. We have seen heavy restrictions and protests here almost on all anniversaries so far,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Gaw Kadal.
It was on 21st January 1990, when Kashmiris marched in defiance, unmindful of the directions given to gun touting forces manning the bridge by the Governor Jagmohan Singh and the state horror consumed 58 lives.
Marking the 28th anniversary of the brutal massacre, Srinagar on Sunday witnessed a complete shutdown on a call given by Joint Resistance Leadership.
Reacting to the call of JRL, authorities imposed restrictions in and around the old city and on roads leading to Gaw Kadal. Since early morning, the roads were sealed and there was the heavy deployment of government forces standing next to the concertina wires.
The brief which witnessed mayhem was also sealed with concertina wires and gun-wielding cops.
But this time locals said, the area witnessed no stone pelting. It is rare that we see such calm on this occasion, a local shopkeeper in his late 40s said.
“We have seen heavy restrictions and protests here almost on all anniversaries so far but not today.”
As the vehicular movement was not allowed, however, locals said pedestrians were allowed to move even over the barricaded bridge.
“Every year on the eve of Gawkadal massacre, I used to restrict my children to go out because of fear of protests and stone pelting but this year eve turned out normal as compared to other anniversaries, I thank God for this blessing otherwise several youths would have suffered from pellet injuries and bullet wounds,” said an elderly lady, wishing anonymity.
Earlier in the morning civil society members and the survivor of deadly massacre Farooq Ahmad Wani registered a protest in Partap Park near Lal Chowk, the city centre, to express solidarity with victims of the massacre. The protesters demanded justice for victims of the massacre.
Farooq Ahmad Wani, the last eyewitness, also uploaded a video posted on Facebook in which he narrated the horrible deadly tale. The video went viral.
Farooq Ahmad alleged CRPF troops “for unnecessary firing on peaceful protests.”
Furthermore, he said, troopers checked the injured people that day and who so ever they found alive was shot at again in head to ensure their death.
from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/2rmsLxM
via IFTTThttp://kashmirlife.net
No comments:
Post a Comment