Photos

Across the Dal from Shalimar is the mosque of Hazrat bal, the only one of its kind architecturally in Kashmir. Made of white marble with a dome and a minaret, Hazrat bal is the repository of a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public on certain days of the year.

Hazrat Bal has been witness to many important events in the chronology of Militancy in Kashmir.

Sep 1991 On September 4, former Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister Khemlata Wakhloo was kidnapped with her husband by Hizbullah. Indian security forces allegedly entered the Hazrat Bal shrine by force.

Oct 1993 On October 13, Indian security forces laid siege to the Hazrat Bal Shrine in Srinagar, where Kashmiri separatists had taken refuge. There were 200 hundred people in the mosque, 50 of whom were believed to be armed rebels. The siege of Hazrat Bal ended on November 16, as armed Kashmiri separatists peacefully surrendered.

Jul 29, 1994 Indian troops surround the Hazrat Bal Shrine after several separatists, including JKLF leader Yasin Malik, who were trying to enter the shrine to begin a hunger strike are arrested. On Aug 6, 1994 Indian forces end their siege of the Hazrat Bal Shrine.

Mar 24, 1996 At least seven people are killed as security forces and the JKLF(Terrorists) clash outside the state's holiest shrine. JKLF rebels remain inside the shrine for two days until a deal is worked out with the government for their safe passage