That Was The Day

While the world commemorates the sacrifice of a few Chicago labourers on May 3, nobody makes even a mention of the sacrifices offered by Kashmiri shawl weavers on April 29, 1865 at Zaldagar.

On May 3, people across the globe commemorate the sacrifices offered by labourers at Chicago. On May 3, 1886 labourers took out a procession to press their demands. One labourer was killed when police opened fire at the demonstrators. On the following day (May 4) a protest demonstration was staged at Hay Market Square by the labourers. A bomb was hurled at the police men. Seven of them died on the spot and around 70 sustained injuries. In retaliatory action a few labourers also got killed.

Kupwara, Jan 26: Sixteen years after the massacre of 27 persons by the troops for non-observance of India’s Republic Day, the residents of Kupwara on Tuesday urged that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

As many as 27 persons were killed in cold blood by the troops on January 27, 1994 in Kupwara town. The latter were apparently angry over the complete strike observed by the residents a day before – on India’s Republic Day

Srinagar, Jan 20: It was the morning of January 21, 1990. The sun came up without much sparkle but it shone on young Rauf’s face for the last time. For, by noon, he was lying on the ground in his favourite blue jacket and green shoes, his body pierced by a hail of troopers’ bullets.

And, two decades later, his family and those who saw him getting killed along with 52 other peaceful protesters in Kashmir’s first massacre since the armed rebellion broke out in 1989 against the Indian rule, try to look back on the event that gave birth to a generation of angry youngmen. A violent uprising and a separatist sentiment never seen before in Kashmir.

Seventeen years after the Sopur massacre, justice eludes the residents of this apple town as perpetrators of the carnage have not been punished and the case is still ‘under investigation’ with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

On January 6, 1993, the paramilitary Border Security Force personnel murdered 55 civilians and torched more than 300 houses and shops in retaliation to the killing of their colleague.

Nov 14, 1973 Sher-e-Kashmir faces wrath of college eves The leaders were all set to take the Plebiscite Front to the altar for their vested interests. A deal had been finalised. People, by and large were scared of indulging in political talk. It was at this crucial juncture of Kashmir history that the students of Government College for Women did the `impossible’. Daring cane charge and tear smoke shells, the defiant students made a strong political statement on November 14, 1973. Stage was all set for naming the college after the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on his birth anniversary.