KNZ NEWS DESK
Srinagar, Oct 22: Javid Ahmad Lone, who was among seven civilians killed in Kulgam, was buried amid pro-freedom slogans at Hawoora, his native village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district o Monday morning.
Javid was identified late on Sunday and his body remained in the mortuary for several hours before his family identified him.
Pertinent to mention that the authorities not only blocked internet, a usual trend, they also snapped mobile phones leading to chaos and information blockade.
Reports reaching GNS said that thousands of people attended Javid’s funeral early on Monday. He was taken in a procession towards graveyard amid pro-freedom slogans. Later, Javid was laid to rest amid sobs and tears.
Javid was among seven persons who were killed post a gunfight at Laroo in the south Kashmir district in which three local militants were killed.
Javid was among six persons who died due to the blast while another civilian Mansoor Ahmad was killed in government forces firing on protesters.
People of Kulgam buried their six loved ones yesterday and they include Auqib Ahmad Sheikh (18) son of Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh of Danow Macanpora, Kulgam, Uzair Ahmad Dar (8th standard student) son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar of Nayakpora near Kulgam Town, Irshad Ahmad Paddar son of Sayedullah Paddar of Shurat Kulgam, Mansoor Ahmad Dar Son of Ghulam Mohammad Dar of Bogund Kulgam, Talib Ahmad Laway son of Mohammad Maqbool of Laroo and Mukeen Ahmad Bhat of Laroo.
While seven persons were killed more than 40 civilians were injured either due to blast near encounter site or use of force including pellets and bullets by government forces. Among the injured, three seriously wounded were referred from Anantnag district hospital and four from Kulgam hospital to SMHS and SKIMS hospitals here for advanced treatment.
The mayhem as has been described by people on both sides of the political spectrum started soon after government forces launched a cordon-and-search operation at Laroo village.
An encounter ensued between a joint team of forces and militants, leading to the killing of three Jaish-e-Mohammad cadres including Shahid Ahmad Tantary of Wangam Shopian, Zubair Ahmad Lone of Ahwatoo Kulgam and Yazil Ahmad Makroo of Arwani Bijbehara.
Meanwhile, a complete shutdown is being observed in Kashmir against the killings.
Shops and business establishments are closed while schools colleges and other educational institutions are shut. Transport both public and private has been largely off the roads and train service in Kashmir has also been suspended by the railway authorities. (GNS)
