Srinagar, Apr 22 (JKNS): Dr. Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day in Kashmir, paid heartfelt homage to Shaheed Adil Shah and Hindu Tourist martyr of April 22.
Dr. Renzushah condemned the hateful ideology that continues to refer to Shaheed Adil Chowk as Khooni Lal Chowk.
Establish 3 Development Divisions North, South and City Division comprising 11 districts each Kamraaz, Maraaz, and Yamraaz or Mahraaz models, Renzushah said.
Srinagar, April 22, 2026 – While paying profound respects to the martyrs of April 22, Dr. Khwaja Farooq Renzushah said entire population of India including Kashmir admire sacrifices of 22 April martyrs.
He denounced the hateful rhetoric avoiding to recite Shaheed Adil Chowk but still name it with Khooni Lal Chowk named to it by Bin Gouriyan and Stalin in 19th century. He underscored the necessity for creating 11 city districts, catering to a population of 3.5 million, during his address at the prestigious Martyrs and Peace Conference held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar. He commended Mohammad Yaqoob Doonu Sahib, a significant figure in human rights advocacy, for orchestrating such an extraordinary Martyrs’ Day event at Tagore Hall in Srinagar who is also heading Shaheed Col. Rohit Foundation. This ceremony was organized by the Shaheed Col. Rohit Foundation.
Although the Shaheed Col. Rohit organization, under his leadership, had originally planned to hold this significant event at Ghanta Ghar, permission was regrettably delayed by concerned officers who are unaware of importance of Martyrs Day of 22 April. He said denial of permission to organize this event at Ghanta Ghar Adil Shah Chowk deprived thousands the opportunity to pay their respects at the iconic chowk commemorating the martyrs of April 22, 2025. Many prominent heads of NGOs and social organizations instrumental in the restoration of peace in Kashmir since 1990 were able to pay their tributes at Tagore Hall on this solemn occasion.
As the chief guest, Renzushah delivered a keynote address on peace in Kashmir during this gathering, dedicated to Martyrs’ Day and Peace Day in honor of Adil Shah, Col. Rohit, and the numerous martyrs of April 22. Notable figures such as Faheem Reshi, Raja Sahib, Shola Sahib, Sheera Sahib, Masrat Jee of the Smile Foundation, Bilal Sahib, and representatives from the Kashmir Society International and Peace Foundation Global attended the event. They discussed the urgent need for unity, peace, and restoration of Kashmir’s historical splendour. In his address, it was stated that Adil Shah, by sacrificing his life, exemplified the high secular character of Kashmir.
Dr. Renzushah highlighted Kashmir’s rich heritage of renaissance, communal harmony, and cultural unity. He referenced the Buddhist conference at Harwan, the spiritual importance of Shankra Pal, and contributions of spiritual leaders such as Bulbul Shah and Shah Hamdan, stating Kashmir has always been a melting pot of diverse cultures and beliefs.
He also referred to the tragic killing of 27 Hindu tourists on April 22, 2025, and lauded the bravery of Adil Shah Pooniwala, who lost his life defending innocent tourists. He termed him a symbol of Kashmir’s sacrifice and unity, adding that Lal Chowk has now been proudly renamed Adil Shah Chowk.
Dr. Renzushah stressed the need to strengthen district development infrastructure in Srinagar through comprehensive planning. He proposed creation of 11 city districts to cater to population needs and address unemployment among youth. He also suggested aligning south Kashmir with Maraaz Division and north Kashmir with Kamraaz Division, while integrating Ganderbal and Budgam into the City Division under Yamraaz or Mahraaz model.
At the conclusion, floral tributes were paid by participants to honor the martyrs of April 22. Dr. Renzushah and attendees prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. (JKNS)
