Violent Eid celebrated in Kashmir

3 policemen, BJP leader killed by terrorists in South Kashmir

August 23, 2018

Dr Farooq Abdullah heckled by ‘separatist supporters’ during Eid prayers in Hazratbal shrine

Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of Satya Pal Malik, new Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, different parts of Kashmir valley witnessed violent Eid on Wednesday.

Dr Abdullah also claimed, “I am a proud Indian and I don’t think there is any harm in chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Hind

Protesters came out on the streets raising ISIS flags, indulged in sporadic incidents of stone pelting and attacked police and paramilitary forces.

During the day unidentified terrorists shot dead three policemen, including an Inspector, in south Kashmir while one BJP leader was also killed in cold blood after he was abducted by terrorists from his home.

All three policemen had come home to celebrate the festival of Eid but ended up losing their lives in senseless acts of violence in front of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, in another interesting development National Conference President and Member Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah was heckled by ‘worshippers’ inside Hazratbal shrine while he arrived there to offer Eid prayers.

A large number of radicalised youth tried to approach him and shouted pro-Azadi slogans eulogising militant commander Zakir Musa.

In the surcharged atmosphere around him, Dr Abdullah kept cool and also offered prayers amid slogan shouting and scuffle between the worshippers.

The locals in the area were angry with his recent speech which ended with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai ‘ and ‘Jai Hind’ on the occasion of special tribute ceremony organised in New Delhi in the memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

After leaving the Hazratbal Shrine Dr Abdullah labelled slogan-shouting mob as biggest enemies of peace in Kashmir.

He said if people are willing to indulge in stupidity Icannot stop them. I am not bothered at all. Nor I am afraid of these people who have ruined Kashmir in the last 30 years.

Dr Abdullah also claimed, “I am a proud Indian and I don’t think there is any harm in chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Hind.

He said on Wednesday when I reached Hazratbal shrine to offer prayers a group of people, whom I term misguided youth, started shouting slogans, ‘hum kya chate Azadi’.

Dr Abdullah also claimed we all must condemn such a behaviour.

“I want to tell them through the medium of media today all those people who are behind these acts of ‘senseless‘ violence that they will not succeed in their nefarious designs”.

“I want to tell them to ‘give up’ now. It is high time to come to the dialogue table and discuss the issue of Kashmir”. Guns will not solve their problems, it will only bring death and destruction

Expressing serious concerns Dr Abdullah said so much of radicalisation has already happened in Kashmir that it is becoming difficult to hold a meaningful dialogue.

Shame on the authorities who showed total disrespect and disregard for congregational Eid prayers at Eidgah today as tear gas shells and even pellets were fired on Eid day

Dr Abdullah said these people must be exposed and identified. “These people do not want to see Kashmiris living in peace and harmony. They only want to see death and destruction”

BJP leader shot dead

While people in Kashmir were celebrating Eid family members of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district bid him tearful farewell after he was abducted and later killed by terrorists.

“Shabir Ahmad Bhat was abducted yesterday (Tuesday). His bullet-riddled body was found earlier this morning,” the police said.

Bhat was provided with armed guards for protection but he was alone when terrorists abducted him.

In a statement, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Kashmir condemned the killing of Shabir Ahmad Bhat.

“Pained to learn about the brutal murder of our Constituency President & IT Social Media Incharge Pulwama Shabir Ahmed Bhat in Pulwama,” said a party spokesman, in a statement.

“Our deepest condolences to his family. Militants must realize that they cannot stop the youth of the valley from choosing a better future for themselves.”

Fresh clashes in different parts of Kashmir

Fresh clashes erupted in different parts of Kashmir valley after congregational Eid prayers.

Police said clashes erupted in Achajipora and Janglat Mandi area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag town after the conclusion of congregational Eid prayers.

Clashes were also reported from Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district where youth tried to hold a demonstration at the main chowk.

An eyewitness said that youth held a march soon after the conclusion of prayers at Eidgah Noorbagh. He said the forces fired tear gas after youth pelted them with stones.

Clashes also erupted in the frontier district of Kupwara after a large number of people held a protest demonstration in Kupwara town.

In Srinagar, Hurriyat(M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq took a dig at the authorities for what he said showing total disrespect and disregard for Eid prayers.

“Shame on the authorities who showed total disrespect and disregard for congregational Eid prayers at Eidgah today as tear gas shells and even pellets were fired on Eid day. How inhuman can it get! In spite of that people showed resilience large congregation held at Eidgah,” tweeted the Mirwaiz.