Srinagar: Lal Chowk (literally Red Square) is known as the heart of the city in Srinagar. This place has much historical importance that without mentioning its name, Kashmir’s post-1947 history cannot be truly described.
The place in the city center has gained political significance due to several historical events that have occurred here during the past several decades. Many of these events are considered an important part of Kashmir's history.
Lal Chowk was named after Russian Red Square by some enthusiastic political workers, was influenced and inspired by the Russian socialist revolution.
The erected clock tower, commonly called Ghanta Ghar in the middle of the Lal chowk has its own political significance. This clock tower has become an identity of historic Lal Chowk. The tower was built in 1979, exactly at the place, where once upon a time popular Kashmiri leader Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah had praised former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Unfortunately, the historical Lal Chowk wears a pathetic look these days due to the lake and its development, a candid example of the negligence of the administration.
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Ironically, the watches placed at the four sides of the tower are mostly out of order. Despite the fact that these sets of were changed several times during the past few decades, they rarely show the correct time.
Like the media refers to Dal lake, shikaras, and houseboats to describe Kashmir’s beauty, Lal Chowk is commonly associated with the continuing political turbulences of the Valley.
Some outstanding scenes of the famous Bollywood movie ‘Haider’ have been captured at Lal Chowk and near its clock tower.
The present government claims that the normalcy will be restored in Kashmir soon. If it happens, Lal chowk must be reflecting the change.
