India using brutal tactics to suppress Kashmiris’ freedom struggle: Speakers
Dhirkot: The Institute of Dialogue, Development and Diplomatic Studies organized a discussion on the 1993 Srinagar’s Lal Chowk incident at a degree college in Dhirkot.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) set fire to the commercial hub of Srinagar’s, Lal Chowk, on April 10, 1993. In the tragic incident, 27 people were martyred while 82 shops, three hotels and several residential buildings were burnt.
The discussion lasted for about an hour. At the end, there was a question-answer session. The students asked very important questions.
The participants of the discussion said India has been using extremely brutal tactics to suppress the Kashmiris’ just freedom struggle and the purpose of the Lal Chowk incident was to intimidate the Kashmiris and keep them away from the freedom movement and make them economically poor.
Inaugurating the seminar, Professor Dr Altaf said the Lal Chowk tragedy is a reminder of the bitter truth that no legitimate struggle can be ended by force. He said that every oppressor in history tried to suppress the voice of truth, but the movements that are rooted in the depths of history always live on. He said that India should also keep in mind that it could never suppress the Kashmiris’ struggle through brutal use of force.
Professor Yasir Mahmood said history always crowns patience and resistance with victory. He said despite all the oppression by India, the courage of Kashmiris remains strong.
Shafiq Rabbani said, “We have to make tragedies like Lal Chowk a part of our history and present them to the world so that our pain and truth are visible.”
Dr Waleed Rasool said movements are subject to ups and downs, but ‘we have to maintain patience and perseverance.’ He said the Lal Chowk incident is just an example, the history of the occupied territory is full of such tragic incidents.
Khushi Muhammad, Shaukat Abbasi, Professor Shafqat and others also addressed the seminar.
