April 13, 1990: Bhaderwah observes ‘Black Day’ in memory of Saribazar incident

Bhaderwah: Bhaderwah town of Chanab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir observed 13 April as ‘Black Day’ in memory of the three youth who were butchered by government Forces on this day in 1990.
Reports said that a massive pro-Kashmir protest was organized by Anjuman Islamia Bhadarwah in this regard where protesters raised pro-freedom and pro-Zakir Musa slogans.
The call for observing Black Day was forwarded by President Anjuman Islamia Bhadarwah Parvez Ahmed Shiekh. A large number of people offered Fathe Khawani for the 3 slain youth at Martyrs Grave Yard.
Local eyewitnesses said that on this day in 1990, the Muslims of Bhadarwah organized a peaceful protest in support of Kashmir Freedom Movement. As the protest march was passing through Sari Bazar, some goons from RSS, fired upon the rally. As the protesters tried to hurl stones on them, the Indian Forces including BSF and CRPF resorted to indiscriminate firing killing three persons on spot.
The witnesses said that over two dozen protesters received bullet injuries. “Over 50 young men were arrested, interrogated and tortured. This was the basis of the eruption of militancy in Doda district,” said locals who were part of protest march Friday.
They said after this incident, local Muslim youth were harassed so much that they were left with no option but to join militant ranks.
All the shops and business establishments remained shut while traffic also remained off the roads.
In their address the social activist Reyaz Ahmed Najar and Anjuman Islamia Bhadarwah President Parvez Ahmed Shiekh condemned civilian killings in Kashmir and said that Muslims of Chenab Valley will always support and advocate the Cause of people of Kashmir. They said Government has pushed youth of Kashmir to wall as a result they are taking to guns.
The protesters also raised anti-BJP and anti-Lal Singh slogans and demanded justice for Asifa.