Waheed Parra
Credit: X/@parawahid
Srinagar: Srinagar’s Clock Tower at historic Lal Chowk, which has been an eyewitness to Kashmir’s wretched political history since 1947 became a focal point of a political rally like no other in recent years on Thursday.
The iconic Clock Tower, which is also a witness to a lot of bloodshed and violence since 1989, on this particular day saw enthusiastic workers of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) draped in the party's green flags and their enthusiasm palpable in the crisp spring air.
At the center of the crowd stood Waheed Parra, the PDP's candidate from prestigious Srinagar Lok Sabha seat. Tall and charismatic, he exuded a sense of confidence as he addressed his supporters. His words echoed off the ancient walls of the city, carrying promises of change and progress.
As Parra finished his speech, the crowd erupted into cheers, waving their flags with fervor. The sound echoed through the streets, drawing curious onlookers, which included a good number of tourists.
After the rally Parra shared the pictures of the event on his social media platforms with a message: “Lal Chowk Reclaimed.”
In the recent years, BJP leaders and activists have been unfurling Tricolor at Clock Tower on occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and other important events.
The rallies of the candidates of National Conference and J&K Apni Party – Agha Ruhullah and Mohammad Ashraf Mir respectively – also passed through the Clock Tower after both these leaders filed nomination papers.
It was this location where Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, not only unfurled the Tricolor in 1948, but also promised a referendum to the people of J&K to choose their political future.
Later on many politicians made fiery and passionate speeches at Clock Tower, some hoisted flags of either India or Pakistan to make a political statement. However, since the insurgency broke out in 1990, Lal Chowk became a sort of psychological battlefield between separatists and the government.
During the summer unrests of 2008 and 2010, separatists would frequently call for a march towards Lal Chowk. On some occasions separatists even succeeded in unfurling the Pakistani flag on Clock Tower while a number of times, police and security forces had to barricade the area to stop people marching towards Lal Chowk.
During the peak of insurgency militants would often attack security forces with guns and grenades in and around Lal Chowk and most of the times civilians would lose their lives in cross-firing.