News Desk:
Leader of the Associate Youth Forum for Kashmir, Bilal Ahmed Reki, has said that January 21 is commemorated as Basant Bagh Martyrs’ Day, a solemn reminder of one of the most tragic incidents in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, he recalled that on January 21, 1990, Indian forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed Kashmiri civilians who had gathered at Basant Bagh for a peaceful protest. The demonstrators were raising concerns over human rights violations, house raids, arbitrary arrests, and the harassment of civilians.
He stated that when the protesters moved towards Gawkadal Bridge, they were met with gunfire, resulting in the killing of dozens of people and injuries to hundreds. He added that, despite the passage of decades, the incident has not been subjected to any transparent or impartial investigation.
Bilal Ahmed Reki said that the Kashmiri people continue to honor the sacrifices of the Basant Bagh martyrs and reaffirm their resolve to pursue justice. He emphasized that the struggle for truth, dignity, and fundamental human rights will continue until the mission of the martyrs is fulfilled.
