DODA, Jun 12:- A tribute ceremony and Gita Path were organised at Chapnari-Bhagwah in memory of the 26 Hindu civilians who were killed by terrorists in the tragic 1998 massacre. The programme was led by Pandit Roshan Lal, District President of Brahman Sabha Doda, along with members of the organisation.
Hundreds of people gathered to pay homage to the victims. During the event, young girls were worshipped as part of a traditional religious ritual, and prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the departed souls. Around 500 people attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Pandit Roshan Lal said that in 1998, two wedding processions heading towards Bhagwah were intercepted near Chapnari-Bhagwah, where terrorists allegedly identified people by their names before killing 26 Hindus. He said the sacrifice of the victims can never be forgotten.
He further stated that Brahman Sabha Doda would continue to visit all places in the district where innocent Hindus were killed during the period of terrorism and organise Gita Path and tribute programmes for the peace of their souls. He mentioned that similar homage events would also be held at places such as Desa and Kulhand, which witnessed militant violence in the past.
Among those present were DySP Krishan Lal and Conservator Officer Dr. Harsh, who also paid floral tributes to the victims. The gathering condemned terrorism and prayed for peace, harmony, and communal unity.