Handwara shuts on massacre anniversary

Srinagar, Jan 25: A complete shutdown was Friday observed in Handwara town of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district to mark the 29th anniversary of the massacre.

At least 26 people were shot dead on January 25, 1990 in Handwara town by Border Security Force troopers after they opened fire on people protesting against Gaw Kadal massacre that had taken place merely four days before.

Joint Hurriyat Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called shutdown in the area which was supported by local traders’ bodies.

An eye witness said all shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in the town while public transport was off the roads.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz demanded an “international probe” into the massacre to bring the perpetrators to book and justice for the victims.

“Recalling the massacres by the state through its forces in Handwara and Kupwara on 25th 27th January, 1990 Mirwaiz paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of these massacres and said that the history of our just struggle is written in the blood of our innocent and brave people and the history of our persecutors by their inhumanity and ruthlessness,” said a statement, issued by Hurriyat (M).

“Mirwaiz also recalled the 1998 Wandhama massacre and expressed sympathy with the families of those brutally killed by assailants whose identity is still not known,” it added.