October, a month renowned for its autumnal beauty in many parts of the world, holds a grim history in the context of Kashmir. This region, nestled in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, has witnessed numerous incidents of violence, conflict, and bloodshed during this fateful month. It is essential to delve into the past, reflecting on the dark episodes that have left an indelible mark on the collective memory of Kashmiris. This article explores the historical context and specific incidents that have earned October a reputation as one of the bloodiest months in Kashmir’s post-1947 political history.
The Genesis of October’s Notoriety
To understand why October is etched in the annals of Kashmir’s history as a month of violence and conflict, we need to trace its origins back to the tumultuous times that followed the partition of India in 1947. On October 22, 1947, the region was thrust into chaos when a lashkar (militant group) of Pakistani raiders from the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) launched an armed invasion. This invasion marked the beginning of a series of violent events that unfolded in the region.
The attack was not limited to military objectives; it also targeted innocent civilians. Scores of civilians, including National Conference workers like Master Abdul Aziz of Muzaffarabad, who was targeted for providing shelter to non-Muslims, and Maqbool Sherwani of Baramulla, who was allegedly accused of misleading the raiders on their way to Srinagar, lost their lives. The bloodshed did not discriminate, affecting a diverse range of people in the region.
Christian missionary hospitals, staff, monks, and nuns in Baramulla were not spared either, as they became victims of the violence that erupted during the October invasion. The attack left a scar on the collective memory of Kashmir, as the violence targeted not only the political establishment but also the social and religious fabric of the region.
The Hazratbal Stand-off in 1993
Fast forward to October 1993, and the dark legacy of October continued to cast its shadow over Kashmir. In this year, the region witnessed a month-long stand-off between the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) militants and the security forces at Hazratbal. This stand-off left a deep impact, not only because of the duration but also due to the desecration of one of the Valley’s holiest shrines by the gunmen.
The Hazratbal stand-off, which began on October 15, 1993, initially seemed poised to end in bloodshed. However, negotiations took a different turn, and the holed-up militants were granted safe passage, avoiding further violence. Yet, the incident left behind enduring scars, as the sacred grounds were marred by the occupation of armed militants.
Bijbehara Firing Tragedy
October 22, 1993, would become another dark day in the history of Kashmir. On this date, the Border Security Force (BSF) 74th battalion opened fire on a peaceful demonstration in Bijbehara, which was demanding the lifting of the siege at Hazratbal. This tragic incident resulted in the death of over 30 civilians, including a Kashmiri Pandit boy.
The Bijbehara firing tragedy exposed the deep-seated tensions and distrust between the local population and the security forces. It served as a stark reminder of the volatile environment that had gripped the region for decades.
The 2001 Attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly
October 1, 2001, marked another somber chapter in Kashmir’s history. A fidayeen (suicide) attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammad group on the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex at Shergarhi Lawns in Srinagar resulted in the deaths of 38 people, including three terrorists. Among the victims were a number of Assembly employees.
This attack highlighted the vulnerability of vital government institutions in Kashmir and the audacity of militant groups operating in the region. It further underlined the need for improved security measures and diplomatic efforts to bring stability to the region.
The Trail of Bloodshed Continues
From 1990 to 2002, the period leading up to our current times, October has been marked by a trail of civilian killings and encounters. The history of this period is marred by numerous instances of violence, political turmoil, and the loss of innocent lives. These events have left an indelible mark on the collective memory of Kashmir, contributing to the ongoing cycle of conflict and tension in the region.
Kashmir’s October is a month that remains etched in memory for all the wrong reasons. It has seen some of the bloodiest episodes in the region’s post-1947 history, from the invasion by Pakistani raiders in 1947 to the Hazratbal stand-off, the Bijbehara firing tragedy, and the attack on the Legislative Assembly in 2001. Each of these events has left a lasting impact on the region, further fueling the ongoing conflict and instability in Kashmir.
