In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, All Parties Hurriyat Conference leadership has paid rich tributes to the victims of the Gawkadal massacre on their thirty-fifth martyrdom anniversary, today.

On this day in 1990, Indian troops opened indiscriminate fire on peaceful protesters in the Gawkadal area of Srinagar, killing more than 50 innocent civilians. The protesters were demonstrating against the molestation of several women by the troops the previous night.

In a statement issued in Srinagar, APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas termed the massacre as a dark chapter in the Kashmir's history. Senior APHC leader Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi, emphasized that the Gawkadal massacre was a premeditated act by the Indian state.

People gathered at the martyrs' graveyard in Srinagar to offer Fateha for those killed in the massacre.

Meanwhile, Indian troops continued cordon and search operation in Sopore for the third consecutive day, today.

On the other hand, restrictions have been intensified in the run-up to India’s Republic Day celebrations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The restrictions along with vehicle checks and military patrols have been enforced across Jammu, Srinagar, and sensitive districts.