Srinagar, Nov 9: Once a nerve centre of Pakistan-backed terrorists, the historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar in Kashmir was lit up with thousands of lamps and candles last night on the occasion of Diwali.
The lamps and candles were placed in different designs and shapes, giving a colourful look to the place.
In the background, the iconic Clock Tower was lit up with the tricolor.
Hundreds of Hindus, joined by Muslims, celebrated and enjoyed the moments with fervor and gaiety.
Lal Chowk area in the heart of Srinagar city has massive symbolic significance as it is considered the nerve centre of Kashmir historically.
It is here that the then Prime Minister of India Jawahalal Nehru had addressed his first historic rally in Kashmir after accession, along with the then leader of Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in early 1950s.
Sheikh Abdullah would also address all his major rallies at Lal Chowk only.
Significantly, it was Lal Chowk where thousands of Kashmiris gathered and declared resistance against the Pakistani invasion which started on October 22, 1947.
However, when terrorism erupted in Kashmir in late 1980s, terrorists carried out umpteen attacks on security forces and civilians in this area, thus virtually controlling all the happenings here.
In 1992, BJP, under the leadership of Murli Manohar Joshi, wanted to conclude its all-India Yatra at Lal Chowk on the Republic Day.
Terrorists threatened to attack the rally if it reached there and as a result, only a few of the BJP leaders, including Joshi and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were taken to Lal Chowk under heavy security cover to perform a symbolic conclusion of the yatra.
However, things have things have transformed now and people can freely move around at Lal Chowk and carry out any legal and national activities.
There is no fear of terrorists anymore. (NVI)
