KL Report
Srinagar
The Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered a fresh inquiry into the 1990 Gaw Kadal massacre in which at least 50 people were killed after security forces opened fire on a protest demonstration.
The Division Bench of SHRC, comprising J. A. Kawoos and Rafiq Fida ordered a special inquiry into the massacre to be conducted by the SPof the Police Investigation Wing of the SHRC.
The inquiry officer has been asked to submit the report within two months and the next date of hearing is scheduled on 26th February 2013.
Meanwhile, the International Forum for Justice/Human Rights Forum has urged the inquiry officer to conduct an impartial probe, “IFJHRF (J&K) feels satisfied with today’s order of the SHRC and urges the inquiry officer to conduct this inquiry in free and impartial manner. Also we urge the concerned government officials to cooperate in this fresh inquiry so that justice can be delivered to the family members of the victims of Gow Kadal massacre and also the culprits should be held accountable for their crime”, read a statement issued by the forum on Wednesday.
On 21st of January 1990 a peaceful demonstration protesting against Chota Bazar molestation, at Gow Kadal, Srinagar was allegedly fired upon resulting into the death of 50 persons and several others injured.
“For 22 years the government has neither prosecuted any official involved in this gruesome massacre nor has it allowed any credible investigation, instead the police has filed an FIR in the Kral Khud Police station under FIR no: 3/90, against the protestors claiming them to have attacked the police and CRPF personnel and also recorded the death of 22 persons”, the forum statement added.
Pertinently on 1st May 2012, the IFJHRF (J&K) had filed a petition in the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). The SHRC later issued notices to the Director General of Police J&K, Home Secretary – Union of India, and the Home Secretary, J&K and IGP Kashmir to submit their reports on the incident.
