(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

In the tumultuous days of 1990, amidst the echoes of political unrest and communal tensions, Kashmir bore witness to a series of forgotten tragedies, overshadowed by the broader narrative of conflict. These unreported killings, etched in the annals of history, serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of strife and the silent suffering endured by ordinary Kashmiris.

March 23, 1990, dawned with yet another sombre warning in Srinagar. Anti-India and anti-Kashmiri Pandit demonstrations continued to fill the streets, punctuated by ominous threats against the minority community. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a flicker of hope emerged as local Imams extended assurances of safety to the Kashmiri Pandits, urging their return to the valley. However, these promises proved hollow as the day unfolded. B.L. Karihaloo, a sweet shop employee, became the instant victim. He was shot at in the Bagat Kanipora area.

The following days bore witness to a relentless wave of violence. Dr. Pushkar Nath, an officer of the J&K Agriculture Department, fell prey to terrorists’ bullets in Bijbehara on March 22, 1990. Ashok Kumar, a resident of Safa Kadal, met a similar fate on March 26, 1990.

April 1990 brought no respite. On April 23, 1990, Sunil Kumar Kotru was killed in Rainawari locality while as a body of a J&K Police Constable, Dalip Singh was recovered from Shopian area.

Similarly, on April 26, 1990, six innocent lives were cruelly snuffed out in various parts of the valley. Among them were Ravinder Kumar, Bansi Lal Saproo, Mohd Ramzan, Ghulam Mohammad, Abdul Rehman, and Ghulam Rasool, each a casualty of senseless bloodshed.

April 30, 1990 marked the demise of Moti Lal Pandita in Kupwara, adding to the growing toll of targeted killings.

 Surge in Atrocities

 The month of May 1990 saw a surge in atrocities, claiming the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. On May 3, a revered Gujjar leader, honoured with the Padma Shri, fell victim to assailants’ bullets in Bara Kasi in Tangmarg area of Kashmir. Chuni Lal Shalla, a dedicated Police Inspector, met a similar fate in Langet area near Sopore.

May 6, 1990 unfolded with the tragic discovery of Prof. Kundan Lal Ganjoo and his wife’s bodies in Sopore, alongside the lifeless form of a young girl named Dolly in Karan Nagar. The brutality reached its zenith on May 11, with the ruthless assassination of former National Conference legislator Sheikh Manzoor, a grim testament to the unchecked reign of terror.

These names, etched in sorrow, represent but a fraction of the countless lives lost in the crucible of conflict, their stories buried beneath the weight of indifference and silence. As we reflect on these forgotten souls, let us offer prayers for peace and reconciliation, striving to honor their memory amidst the clamour of history. (To be concluded)