1994 Kupwara Massacre: 27 civilians shot dead for ‘observing shutdown on Jan 26’
It was on 27 January 1994 that 27 civilians, mostly traders of Kupwara town.
KUPWARA: The survivors allege that the massacre was carried out by the soldiers to punish the people for observing a shutdown on January 26, 1994.
Sources said that, only few shops were closed on Wednesday, observed in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district to mark the 27th anniversary of Kupwara massacre in which 27 civilians were killed while scores of people were also injured by the government forces.
“The survivors of the Kupwara massacre recalled the horrific scene saying that the event continued to haunt them.”
The survivors said that “A patrol party of Punjab regiment of Army had warned the shopkeepers on the eve of January 26 of dire consequences if they observe strike and didn’t celebrate the Republic Day. On 24 January 1994 some Army men and policemen entered into a verbal duel near old bridge Kupwara and soldiers threatened police of dire consequences after Jan 26 passes off peacefully. ”
“Next day on Jan 25 some Army personnel called out worshippers from Jamia Masjid Kupwara and thrashed them including Imam of the Masjid. On Jan 26 as usual people of Kupwara observed a complete shutdown. Next day early in the morning we met the then district magistrate Kupwara Yaseen Shah at his residential quarter and brought the excesses and thrashing of Imam into his notice who assured us that matter will be taken up with the concerned army higher ups.”
“We returned after meeting the DC Kupwara. As we were about to reach the old bridge a single firing shot was heard which was followed by a rain of bullets. All were seen running for safety, the firing lasted at least for an hour. I hid in one of the shops. After a lull I came out of the shop and there were horrific scenes of bloodbath all around, said one of the survivors”
“Among the 27 people killed by the Army, mostly were traders, some government employees and a policeman. As many as 38 persons were injured, some left handicapped for life.”
The survivors lamented that no action has been taken against the guilty so far.
Sources said that a case has been registered under FIR No: 19/94 under sections 302, 307 dated 27-01-1994, stands registered in the police station Kupwara.
Representational Photo Attached
(Inputs: KNS, GK)
