Supreme Court Refuses To Re-Open Probe On Atrocities Committed Against Kashmiri Pandits In 1990

The Supreme Court today (24 July) refused to entertain a plea seeking re-investigation and prosecution of persons, including separatist leaders Yasin Malik and Bitta Karate, in connection with the killing of over 700 Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir Valley between 1989 and 1990.

A bench comprising of Chief Justice of India (CJI) J.S. Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said that the evidence would be difficult to find as almost 27 years have passed. The apex court also asked the petitioner to provide evidence, if possible.

Advocate for petitioner Vikash Pandora appearing for the organisation ‘Root of Kashmir' said that Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homes. He accepted that they had delayed in bringing up the matter but argued that neither the centre, state nor judiciary acted on the matter.

Over 700 Kashmiri Pandits were murdered in the period between 1989 and 1990 and 215 first information reports (FIR) have been lodged till date but no case has reached a conclusion. ANI