Sopore: This north Kashmir town observed a complete shutdown Sunday to mark the 26th anniversary of Sopore massacre.
On this day in 1993, at least 57 people were shot dead by personnel from paramilitary 94 battalion BSF who also set ablaze entire Sopore market.
All shops and other business establishments remained closed in the town while a skeletal movement of traffic was witnessed on the roads in the town.
Reports said that hundreds of residents offered congregational Fateha for the slain at the mosques in the town.
Members of the civil society and traders gathered at the martyrs’ graveyard and offered special prayers for the slain
Locals said the massacre took place after militants attacked BSF men of 94 battalion at Baba Yousuf Gali near women’s college main chowk and snatched gun of a BSF personnel. After the incident, BSF ran amok, opening indiscriminate fire on unarmed civilians and setting ablaze the markets. At least 57 people were killed.