The Kupwara district in Kashmir marks 31 years since a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of more than 23 civilians during a military action on January 27, 1994.
The incident occurred following a protest strike on India's Republic Day, January 26. According to human rights reports, military personnel responded to the civil demonstration with force, leading to civilian casualties.
A Court of Inquiry was established to investigate the incident, though its findings remain unpublished after three decades. The investigation faced significant challenges, including reported non-cooperation from military authorities, leading to its eventual closure in 2018.
Human rights documentation from the period indicates that the District Development Commissioner was summoned to military headquarters during the initial investigation phase, raising questions about the inquiry's independence.
Families of those affected continue to seek legal resolution, with no prosecutions recorded in connection with the incident. The case represents one of several unresolved investigations in the region, highlighting ongoing challenges in the pursuit of justice.
The incident's anniversary continues to resonate in discussions about civil-military relations, human rights, and judicial processes in the region, while affected families maintain their call for a thorough investigation and legal closure.
