PTI
In this January 20, 2015 photo, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presides over a meeting of his National Conference party in Srinagar.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday made a fresh demand for establishing a truth and reconciliation commission in the State for addressing the issues related to both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims affected by over two-decade-long violence.
“Whether it’s the Kashmiri Pandit exodus or incidents like Gawkadal, they R why India & Pakistan owe J&K a truth & reconciliation commission,” Mr. Abdullah tweeted.
In March 2011, Mr. Abdullah as Chief Minister, had suggested setting up of a truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) to probe the deaths and destructions in militancy-related violence in Jammu and Kashmir, though his suggestion never saw the light of the day.
On January 21, 1990, 52 civilians were killed when security forces allegedly opened fire on a procession at Gawkadal in Srinagar. The protesters were demonstrating against the alleged high-handedness of security forces in the city.
After the eruption of militancy, Kashmiri Pandits left their homes in the Valley and migrated to other places, including Jammu. The community observed 25 years of the mass exodus on January 19, 2015.
Mr. Abdullah, apparently referring to PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who was Union Home Minister at the time of the Gawkadal incident, said, “The architect of the #Gawkadal massacre negotiates his coronation & conveniently remains silent, choosing not to acknowledge this dark day”.
Meanwhile, shops and business establishments in and around the business hub of Lal Chowk, including Gawkadal, remained shut due to a strike called by separatist groups.
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