1989 was the year when kashmiri youth were fed up with the stagnation of kashmir issue. They had tried everything from peaceful protests to getting their representatives elected by polls but had failed in it. It was time to try something else and try they did. In late 1989 thousands of youth started crossing over to Azad Kashmir and start a limited war with Indian troops, this time with weapons in their hands. JKLF lead the kashmiri youth in this war for the freedom of Kashmir. In no time other anti India groups joined the JKLF and a number of freedom seeking groups emerged. The government led by NC did not expect any of this and could not handle the situation. The Indian Government appoints Jagmohan as the governor of Jammu and Kashmir and on january 19 1990, the then Governor Jagmohan took charge of affairs at Srinagar.The same day the NC government resigns. On the night of January 19 people started coming out in huge numbers from all over the valley to protest against the appointment of Jagmohan in kashmir. More than 200 people are killed the next day when Indian paramilitary troops open fire on a peaceful protest in the Gawkadal area of srinagar.Srinagar is put under Curfew and shoot at sight orders are given to troops for any violation. Thousands of people come out in streets inspite of the curfew. In the end of february an estimated half a million people come out in a protest and rally towards Chrar e sharif as a mark of support for the freedom struggle in kashmir. On March 1 an estimated 1.2 million Kashmiris come out on roads making it the biggest demonstartion in the history of Kashmir. Protests continue for the month of march. In the month of april 1990 kashmiris are put through a virtual house arrest when the governor imposes a 17 day curfew in srinagar. People are made to suffer in the holy month of Ramadhan by house to house searches almost through out the city. Atrocities on common Kashmiris becomes the order of the day........to be contd
3 comments:
This time indeed was traumatic and the events of this time are vivid in my memory. The procession of chrar sharif was something that I have seen first time in my life, with so many people marching for the same cause.
The curfew of Apr. was also a limit to the atrocities committed by Indian forces.
India has been oppressing us for so many years but we have a very strong resolve and would not back off from our legitimate right.
That was the right time for the solution of kashmir issue but somehow we missed that opportunity, anyhow we will not stop until we get our right of self determination
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