Srinagar, Today marks the 29th anniversary of the destruction of the historic Charar-e-Sharief shrine in Badgam district, a significant event in the history of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), observed solemnly by the Kashmiri community.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the shrine, dedicated to Sufi saint Sheikh Noorud Din Wali, was burned down during a military siege by Indian troops that lasted 66 days, starting on the night of May 10, 1995. The siege not only destroyed the religious site but also devastated approximately 1,000 homes and 200 shops in Charar-e-Sharief. The incident remains a poignant memory in Kashmir, representing broader acts of desecration by Indian forces over the past 35 years, targeting numerous Muslim holy sites.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called for international human rights bodies to recognize and address the ongoing violations and cultural oppression faced by the Kashmiris under Indian rule. The APHC reaffirms the community’s resolve to continue their struggle for autonomy despite severe challenges.