Kashmir Marks 29th Anniversary of Charar-e-Sharief Shrine Desecration by Indian Troops

Today, Kashmiris solemnly commemorate the 29th anniversary of the devastating desecration and destruction of the centuries-old Sufi shrine of the revered saint, Sheikh Noorud Din Wali (RA), at Charar-e-Sharief in the Badgam district of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, at the hands of Indian troops.

According to a reports, the tragic event unfolded on the intervening night of May 10 and 11 in 1995, coinciding tragically with the auspicious occasion of Eid. Charar-i-Sharief was engulfed in flames, plunging Kashmiris into despair and anguish.

The Charar-e-Sharief complex, encompassing a historic mosque and numerous residential houses, fell victim to the military siege that persisted for a harrowing 66 days. Approximately 1,000 houses and 200 shops in the mountainous town were reduced to ashes, leaving behind a scar on the collective memory of Kashmiris that remains fresh even after almost three decades.

The burning of the Charar-e-Sharif shrine by Indian troops stands as one of the most tragic chapters in Kashmir’s history. There is a systematic destruction and desecration of Muslim holy places in the occupied territory over the past 35 years by targeting of religious sentiments by the BJP and RSS, underscoring the erosion of basic human norms and international law.

Despite India’s relentless efforts to suppress Kashmiris’ yearning for freedom will never succeed in its nefarious designs. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, in a statement from Srinagar, emphasized the desecration and damage inflicted upon the mosque and shrine during the military siege at Charar-e-Sharief, along with repeated instances of extrajudicial killings across IIOJK.

These incidents, according to APHC, epitomize the unchecked state-terrorism inflicted upon Kashmiris in the occupied territory, targeting their faith and cultural identity in flagrant violation of fundamental human norms and international law. The APHC called upon international human rights bodies to intervene urgently to curb the ongoing violations and safeguard Kashmiri Muslims from Hindu fascism.

The statement reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to persevere in their struggle for freedom, undeterred by the formidable challenges they face. As Kashmiris observe this solemn anniversary, their resolve remains unshaken, a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.