[1][2] Prior to the Handwara incident, on 21 January 1990, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had opened fire on protesters at the Gawkadal bridge in Srinagar, leading to significant civilian casualties.

This event, known as the Gawkadal massacre, intensified public outrage and led to widespread protests across the region.

As the procession approached the Handwara Police Station, a Tata Matador (407) carrying BSF personnel arrived at the scene.

[2][4][5] According to eyewitnesses, the BSF personnel opened fire indiscriminately into the crowd without any warning.

The victims included women and children, with several eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and harrowing, with bodies lying on the ground and survivors scrambling to escape the gunfire.