SRINAGAR: A complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir on the occasion of Independence Day, while militants fired rockets to disrupt the parade at Bakhshi Stadium here where the governor, Girish Saxena, took the salute. At least 12 persons were killed in clashes, while five others were shot by the militants in different parts of the Valley. The Independence Day was observed as “black day” in the Valley. The Valley wore a deserted look with all closed and vehicles keeping off the road. The people stayed indoors in response to the militants’ call for a civil curfew. The Bakhshi Stadium was empty except for a few officials. Most officials ignored a circular asking them to attend the function.
Inspite of the heavy security arrangements around the stadium, the Al-Jehad militants fired three rockets to disrupt the function. The rockets however, missed the stadium. One rocket hit a house just behind the stadium, injuring a woman and her child. Another rocket fell in the Iqbal Park, adjacent to the stadium, while the third fell in Mehjoor Nagar locality, reports said.
The militants clashed with the paramilitary forces in several parts of the old city. Five persons were killed and two CRPF personnel injured. The state police chief, B.S.Bedi, said the militants fired at CRPF jawans while they were getting into a vehicle at Kanikadal. The jawans fired back killing two militants on the spot.
Later, during cordon-and-search operations, two militants were shot when they tried to flee. A fifth person was killed at Kalashpora, reports said.
Reports from Pulwama district said that five persons were killed by the paramilitary forces following an attack by the militants; Official sources confirmed the casualties but gave no details,
The police recovered two bodies from Natipora and Khayam. They were believed to have been shot by the militants,
Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 28, 1992
