MUMBAI/SRINAGAR, Aug 8: Following the reinitiation of a fresh investigation into the 1989 murder case of Kashmiri Pandit judge Neelkanth Ganjoo, his family has expressed that the timing is “a bit belated” and they hope to avoid reopening old wounds.
On Monday, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in Jammu and Kashmir launched a renewed inquiry into the 1989 murder of retired judge Neelkanth Ganjoo, a significant step towards seeking justice for this longstanding case.
“After 34 years of the incident, this effort seems rather inadequate. We hope to prevent any further disturbance to our emotional healing,” remarked SK Ganjoo, the son of the deceased former judge.
Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta, has welcomed the probe, stating, “It is reassuring that justice might finally be served to Neelkanth Ganjoo. The BJP government had previously advocated for such investigations. This incident was a part of a larger conspiracy… I encourage the public to cooperate in uncovering the truth behind this conspiracy… I commend this initiative.”
Reacting to the reopening of the investigation into this three-decades-old case, Kashmiri Pandit writer and political activist Agnishekar said, “The Kashmiri Pandits have suffered a genocide. It is crucial that justice is pursued for Neelkanth Ganjoo, reportedly killed by Yasin Malik, the leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).”
“For the past 34 years, discussions have revolved around investigations and special inquiry teams. Over 1500 Kashmiri Pandits have lost their lives. We welcome the news of this investigation after such a prolonged duration.”
“This targeted killing aimed to create a sense of fear and intimidation. Neelkanth Ganjoo was a highly respected individual,” Agnishekhar conveyed.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has urged the public to come forward and share their recollections of the events in order to unravel the larger plot behind the murder.
The incident dates back over three decades when Ganjoo, a judge in the Sessions and District Court, was assassinated by militants in Srinagar on November 4, 1989.
In a market on Hari Singh Street, three militants encircled Ganjoo and fatally shot him near the premises of the Srinagar High Court.
