On November 3, 2024, the vibrant Sunday market in Srinagar, a cherished hub of community life and winter shopping, was marred by a brutal grenade attack that left at least twelve civilians injured. This tragic incident unfolded during peak hours, when families and friends gathered to enjoy the festive atmosphere, unaware that their day would soon be engulfed in chaos and fear.
- Location: Sunday market near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar
- Time: November 3, 2024
- Injuries: 12 confirmed, including two women
- Victims: Ranging from teenagers to middle-aged adults
As the sun shone brightly over the bustling market, the sounds of laughter and lively bargaining filled the air. Suddenly, a deafening explosion shattered the peace, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments that followed—the screams of panic, the rush of people fleeing in all directions, and the desperate cries for help from those who had fallen victim to this senseless act of violence.The injured were swiftly transported to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital, where medical staff worked tirelessly to provide care. Thankfully, all victims were reported to be in stable condition. Among those wounded were:
- Misba, a bright-eyed 17-year-old from Nowgam, who had come to buy warm clothes for her family.
- Azaan Kaloo, also 17, from Noorbagh, who was excitedly shopping for his first winter jacket.
- Habibullah Rather, a 50-year-old father from Kaloosa Bandipora, who had been looking forward to spending time with his children.
- Altaf Ahmad, 21, from Amshipora Shopian, who had dreams of starting his own business.
- Faizal Ahmad, just 16 and from Khaniyar, who was enjoying a rare outing with friends.
- Umer Farooq, whose left hand was injured while trying to protect others.
- Faizan Mushtaq, 20, from Pampore, who had just begun to carve out his future.
- Zahid, 19, from Checkpora Kalan Nowgam, who was simply out enjoying life.
- Gulam Muhammad Sofi, 55, from Chattabal, known for his kindness in the community.
- Sumaiya Jan, 45, from Naidkhai Sumbal, a loving mother who cherished her family above all.
Sheer Barbarity
This heinous attack came on the heels of heightened tensions following the killing of a top commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group by security forces. Authorities believe that this grenade was intended for a nearby paramilitary bunker but tragically exploded among innocent civilians instead.The response from local leaders was swift. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to social media to express his outrage:
“The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters… Today’s news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the ‘Sunday market’ in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha echoed these sentiments, condemning the attack and emphasizing that those responsible would face justice. His words resonated with many in a community already weary from years of conflict.
KRF Condemns the Attack
On behalf of the Kashmir Rights Forum (KRF), we stand united in our condemnation of this barbaric act. It is not just an attack on individuals; it is an assault on our shared humanity. Each victim represents not merely a statistic but a story—a life filled with hopes and dreams now overshadowed by trauma and fear. Imagine Misba’s mother anxiously waiting for her daughter’s return home after what should have been an ordinary day of shopping. Picture Azaan’s friends rallying around him as he recovers from his injuries. These are not just names; they are our neighbors, our friends—people who deserve to live without fear. The emotional impact of this attack extends far beyond physical injuries. It reverberates throughout families and communities, instilling a profound sense of vulnerability among those simply trying to go about their daily lives. The Sunday market has long been a symbol of resilience and unity among Kashmiris—a place where people come together to celebrate life amidst adversity. To see it transformed into a site of violence is heartbreaking.
This incident starkly illustrates the urgent need for effective measures to protect civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. As tensions rise following recent security operations against militant groups, it is imperative that authorities prioritize civilian safety while addressing underlying issues that contribute to violence. The KRF calls upon local and national leaders to take decisive action—implementing strategies that not only enhance security but also foster dialogue and reconciliation within communities. Our people deserve peace—a life free from violence where markets are filled with laughter instead of fear. In closing, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragedy. Let us come together as a community to support one another in healing and rebuilding our lives. Only through unity can we hope to overcome the darkness that threatens our beloved Kashmir
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