MOURNERS ASSAULTED, 20 INJURED IN CLASHES

 

Aloochibagh Killing

GOWHAR BHAT


Srinagar, May 19: A day after a civilian, Manzoor Ahmed Beg was allegedly killed in the custody of the Special Operations Group of J&K Police, massive protests rocked Aloocha Bagh. Police and CRPF troops used force on the protesters and even assaulted the mourners.
Hundreds of men and women took to streets and demanded action against the SOG men involved in the killing, blocking traffic on the Airport Road. A huge deployment of police swung into action and cane charged the protesters, who offered resistance and pelted stones on the cops. Police resorted to aerial firing and fired tear smoke canisters on the civilians.
Police also assaulted the mourners sitting inside a tent, which resulted in commotion. All shops and businesses remained closed in the area while traffic movement was also affected due to the clashes.
Youths also held protests at Maisuma against the killing where police swung into action to disperse the protesters.
Several delegations of separatist leaders, including Shakeel Bakshi, Javaid Mir, Shahid-ul-Islam visited Beg’s residence to sympathise with the bereaved family. They termed the killing as “barbaric and an act of terrorism.”
The deputy commissioner has already ordered a probe into the killing and appointed additional deputy commissioner, M Y Zargar, as inquiry officer. He has been asked to submit his report within a week.

SOG officer sacked

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, May 19:The government on Tuesday placed under suspension the police inspector posted at the SOG Cargo camp here, in connection with the “custodial killing” of Manzoor Ahmed Beg, sources said.
“The inspector was suspended after preliminary investigations,” they said, adding, that Beg, a second-hand car dealer, had been summoned by the accused officer to SOG camp as he owed Rs 40,000 to some persons who had sought SOG’s intervention to realize the money. “After being summoned Beg was tortured to death in custody,” they added.
They said that investigations revealed that two unidentified persons had taken the victim to a private nursing home. However, doctors there refused to admit him (Beg). Later, the duo hired an auto and shifted him to the SMHS hospital and fled from the spot.
Police had arrested the auto driver who had shifted the deceased to the hospital. He was released after questioning.
Meanwhile, Police today arrested three persons in connection with the case. “The main accused is still absconding,” sources added.

Geelani, Malik under house arrest

Condemn 'Custodial' Killing

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, May 19: The Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, were put under house arrest on Tuesday to prevent them from visiting the residence of Manzoor Ahmad Beg, who was killed in custody allegedly by the personnel of Special Operations Group of Police on Monday.
A Hurriyat spokesman said that Geelani was put under house arrest at his uptown residence in Hyderpora last evening after he retuned home from Budgam. Geelani intended to offer Beg’s Nimaz-e-Jinazah and visit his family. “But he has been put under house arrest,” he added.
Condemning Beg’s “custodial killing,” Geelani, in a statement, said, that Jammu and Kashmir had become a “police state where SOG and policemen were killing people at will.”
Meanwhile, the JLKF chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, was also put under house arrest on Monday, a JKLF spokesman said in a statement today.
He said that policemen cordoned off Malik’s Maisuma residence last evening and informed him that he couldn’t move out.
He said a delegation of the JKLF activists led by Showkat Ahmed Bakshi, visited the residence of Manzoor Ahmed Beg and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
He termed Beg’s killing as “a glaring instance of state sponsored terrorism.”
The spokesman urged the international community and human right organizations to take a serious note of such incidents.

KILLING EVOKES WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION 

 Meanwhile, killing of Manzoor Ahmad Beg, of Aloochi Bagh here has evoked widespread condemnation from separatist and mainstream parties demanding judicial probe into the incident and exemplary punishment to the killers.
 Expressing serious concern over the custodial killing, the Jamaat-i-Islami Jammu and Kashmir termed it the worst demonstration of state ‘terrorism.’ Praying for the peace to departed soul, the Jama’at expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.  
 Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (R) spokesman while condemning the killing, termed it as worst kind of ‘state terrorism.’
 The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association while condemning the killing, said that it had taken strong note of the torture that the victim had been subjected. “We demand immediate action against the SP SOG Srinagar.”
 The Bar demanded that the accused should be booked under the Sec 302 of RPC for murder and demanded the Police station Shergari register an FIR against the accused.
 Condemning the killing, the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) chairman Zaffar Akbar Bhat demanded impartial probe into it. 
 Meanwhile, a delegation of JKSM led by Zaffar visited the residence of deceased. 
 The Democratic Liberation Party chairman, Hashim Qureshi, while condemning the killing, demanded punishment to the killers. 
 The Democratic Political Movement chairman, Firdous Ahmad Shah, while condemning the killing, demanded impartial probe.  
 The Peoples’ Political Party chairman, Hilal Ahmad War, while condemning the killing, termed it as the most serious human rights violation. 
 “Such heinous crimes have exposed the Indian rulers of their claims of democracy,” said War, according to PPP spokesman.  
 The convener of Hurriyat Conference (G), Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, has strongly condemned the killing and demanded judicial probe into it.
 Protesting the killing, the Muslim Khawateen Markaz termed it as highly reprehensible.  
 The Mahaz-e-Aazadi president, Mir Muhammad Iqbal has expressed serious concern over the killing, terming it as the worst example of ‘state terrorism’. Mir demanded impartial probe into it.
 Condemning the killing, the Peoples’ Democratic Party demanded impartial probe into it, warning that such inhuman incidents were unacceptable for any civilized society.
 In a statement today, a PDP spokesman said, “Until an impartial probe is conducted, victim’s family should be given ex-gratia relief and benefits under SRO-43. 
 The National Conference senior leader and MLA Amira Kadal constituency, Nasir Sogami, condemned the killing and demanded immediate probe into it. He expressed sympathies with the bereaved family and demanded ex-gratia relief for them.
 Terming the killing as highly condemnable, the Jammu Kashmir CPI (M) state secretary, M Y Tarigami urged the government to bring the culprits to the justice.

Custodial Killing

Alucha Bagh still tense 

Protesters fight pitched battles with cops

Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, May 20: Alucha Bagh continued to remain tense on Wednesday over the custodial killing of a resident of the area Manzoor Ahmed Beigh by Special Operations Group of Police and people fought pitched battles with policemen through out the day. Clashes also erupted in Batamaloo area in the evening and police fired dozens of tear smoke canisters to stop the protestors from marching.
Alucha Bagh remained tense for the third straight day today as clashes between protestors and police continued throughout the day with the people in Batamaloo area also joining late in the evening. 
Trooper killed in scuffle
Meanwhile, in a scuffle amongst themselves, an army man was killed while another injured in Mathiali Gala area of Rajouri after their colleague opened fire at them.
The scuffle broke out in the 63 RR camp between Army men of 13 JAKLI wherein a rifleman Kuldeep Raj opened indiscriminate fire at two of his colleagues. Major Ramwarakesh Yadav of Bihar was found dead and Sudharshan of Pune critically injured.
The trooper who fired at his colleagues later fled from the spot.
VDC member commits suicide
In Kishtwar, a Village Defence Committee personnel committed suicide by shooting himself. 
The CDC member Jafaram son of Haem Raj shot himself by his service rifle which resulted in his on the spot death.

Custodial Death

15 hurt in Alucha Bagh, Maisuma clashes

Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, May 19: At least 15 protestors were injured in police action at Alucha Bagh and Maisuma on Tuesday when people came out roads to protest against the alleged custodial death of a 40-year old civilian.
On Monday, father of three Manzoor Ahmad Beigh son of late Abdul Ahad Beigh of Beigh Mohalla, Alucha Bagh was picked up by SOG personnel and later shifted to SMHS hospital, where he was declared “brought dead”. 
The incident has evoked resentment from the locals, who are demanding action against the SOG personnel involved in the killing. 
For the second day in succession, hundreds of youth took to roads at Alucha Bagh and staged anti-SOG demonstrations. Raising pro-freedom, anti-India and anti-SOG slogans, the protesting youth were demanding action against the guilty SOG personnel. The police and CRPF personnel, who were deployed in strength in the area fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse the agitating people. At least eight persons suffered minor injuries during the clashes, which continued for few hours.  
During the clashes, the vehicular movement on the main road was disrupted.
The youth also took to roads at Maisuma to protest against the killings. The protestors tried to stage a rally but were intercepted by cops, who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to heavy baton charge to disperse the agitating youth. At least seven persons were injured in the ensuing ding dong clashes.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Hurriyat (M) led by Shahidul Islam and Javed Mir visited the residence of deceased at Alucha Bagh. They strongly condemned the killing and demanded end to the human rights violations being committed by troopers in the State. 
Meanwhile, shops and business establishments remained closed in Alucha Bagh, Hari Singh High Street and adjoining area as a mark of protest against the custodial death of Manzoor.

Killing sparks demos in IHK

Srinagar—The killing of Manzoor Ahmad Beg, of Aloochi Bagh here has evoked widespread condemnation from pro-freedom as well as mainstream parties demanding judicial probe into the incident and exemplary punishment to the killers. Expressing grief over the killing of Manzoor Ahmed Beigh of Aluchi Bagh who was a father of three, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani said: “On one hand State government boasts of safeguarding human rights, on the other they have given relentless powers to troops to kill innocent people.” Geelani said intended to offer Beg’s Nimaz-e-Jinazah and visit his family.

“But he has been put under house arrest,” he added. Geelani that Jammu and Kashmir had become a “police state where SOG and policemen were killing people at will.” Terming the assurance of probe by Deputy Commissioner as ‘deception’, Geelani said: “Such statements are later given to minimize resentment and tension.” Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that government of India continues to indulge in gross human rights violations in Kashmir. 

“Killing innocent people is the real face of Indian democracy,” Mirwaiz said. Terming the killing of Manzoor by SOG as ‘inhumane’, Chairman of JKLF Muhammad Yaseen Malik said: “In addition to this cold blooded murder, the government unleashed shower of batons on the mourners,” Malik said. Expressing serious concern over the custodial killing, the Jamaat-i-Islami Jammu and Kashmir termed it the worst demonstration of state ‘terrorism.’ Praying for the peace to departed soul, the Jama’at expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. 

The Jamaat expressed solidarity with the family of Beigh and appealed international community to rise to the occasion and raise voice against the worst kind of human rights violations occurring in Kashmir. Jammu Kashmir Mass Movement Patron Fareeda Behanji termed the killing of Beigh as “state-sponsored terrorism”. Behanji said that such killings fall under the plan of genocide which India started in 1989. 

“For the genocide of Kashmiri people National Conference Patron Farooq Abdullah introduced SOG in Kashmir,” she said. Party’s General Secretary Mudasir Maqbool led a protest rally in Aluchi Bagh which was dispersed after police resorted to heavy baton charging of protesters. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (R) spokesman while condemning the killing, termed it as worst kind of ‘state terrorism.’ The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association while condemning the killing, said that it had taken strong note of the torture that the victim had been subjected. “We demand immediate action against the SP SOG Srinagar.” 

The Bar demanded that the accused should be booked under the Sec 302 of RPC for murder and demanded the Police station Shergari register an FIR against the accused. Condemning the killing, the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) chairman Zaffar Akbar Bhat demanded impartial probe into it. Meanwhile, a delegation of JKSM led by Zaffar visited the residence of deceased. The Democratic Liberation Party chairman, Hashim Qureshi, while condemning the killing, demanded punishment to the killers. The Democratic Political Movement chairman, Firdous Ahmad Shah, while condemning the killing, demanded impartial probe.

The Peoples’ Political Party chairman, Hilal Ahmad War, while condemning the killing, termed it as the most serious human rights violation.—NNI

Another innocent Kashmiri killed in SOG custody

SRINAGAR (SANA): A 40-year old resident of Alucha Bagh, who is father of three, was killed in custody by Special Operations Group of police, sparking massive anti-police demonstrations. 

“I and my brother (Manzoor Ahmad Beigh) left the home in the morning for our routinely work. At around 1:30 pm, two men came to my shop at Hari Singh High Street and told me that Manzoor has been arrested by personnel of SOG Cargo and shifted to SMHS hospital,” said Manzoor’s brother, Abdul Majeed Beigh of Beigh Mohalla, Alucha Bagh. 

He said, “I alongwith another relative of mine went to SMHS hospital, where we found Manzoor lying dead on a stretcher”.

Manzoor, 40 son of late Abdul Ahad Beigh, who was dealing in the sale and purchase of vehicles and gold, has left behind a widow, two sons and a daughter. 

Claiming that torture marks were visible on Manzoor’s body, Majeed said, “There was a red mark around his throat. His chest was red and the arm pits were swollen. His eyes were closed forcibly with an adhesive tape.”

As the news about Manzoor’s death reached Alucha Bagh, hundreds of men, women and children came out on the Indira Gandhi Airport road and staged demonstrations. They blocked the vehicular movement on the road for nearly three hours, as a result traffic jams became rampant in city from Rambagh to Jawahar Nagar. 

The slogans like “We want freedom”, ‘Qatil Ko Peesh Karo”, “Task force hai hai”, “National Conference Hai Hai’ slogans reverberated the air as the protestors were demanding action against the guilty SOG men.

The protestors clashed with police in the evening. The cops fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse the agitating people. The cops also fired in air. However, no injuries were reported. 

The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has ordered an inquiry into the killing while police has launched inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC.

Court hears Jalil Andrabi Murder Case

Asks IGP Kashmir to act



Syed Basharat

SRINAGAR, May 5: Taking a strong notice of non execution of warrant against an army Major Avtar Singh, accused in cold blooded murder case of noted human rights activist and lawyer Jalil Andrabi, a city court today asked IGP Kashmir to pursue the court orders with the secretary Home Affairs, Government of India and IGP Crime and Railways before furnishing a follow-up report by or before the next date of hearing.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Mohammad Ibrahim Wani in his fresh order said that SSP Srinagar in his report furnished before the court has said that he forwarded the court order to IGP Kashmir regarding the execution of warrant through Interpol against the accused Major. The SSP in his report has further said that he requested the IGP Kashmir to take up the matter with the concerned authorities as directed by the court.

"However, no follow-up report has been furnished by the IGP Kashmir. Since the FIR is of more than 13 years old and case is pending in the court for the last more than eight years, the IGP is directed to pursue the case with the concerned authorities which include IGP Crime and Railways and secretary home affairs government of India in terms of the order passed by this court on the last date of hearing," the court order reads.

Earlier the same court had asked the ministry of home affairs government of India through its secretary to take the matter with Interpol and ensure the execution of a warrant against the accused Army Major, required in the trial.

In the last order passed, CJM had also asked the magisterial officers, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, IGP Crime and Railways and the SSP Srinagar, to ensure the orders of the court regarding the execution of the non bailable warrant re-issued by the same court against the accused major on January 22 and repeated on March 2, 2009.

In his last action taken report of SSP Srinagar submitted to the court in this case has stated that an open dated non bailable warrant was forwarded to IGP Kashmir vide number CRB/WSD/09-2480-83, who has forwarded the same to IGP Crime and Railways vide number CRS/Red/Corner/08 for onward submission to concerned quarters for its execution.

However, the IGP crime and railways has asked the office of SSP Srinagar to provide good quality photographs of the accused Major and the matter was accordingly taken with the SSP Yamna Nagar Haryana. "The SSP Yamna Nagar intimated that no photographs of Major are available at his home. The execution of open dated non-bail able warrant is pending with the concerned quarters and as such the warrant issued dated March 4 has been returned," reads the Srinagar SSP's report.

During the hearing today, the court said that availability or non availability of the photographs of the accused is not and can not be a ground for non execution of the warrant. "The pendency of the warrant for execution for a considerable period of considerable time is affecting the trial of the case, which is already pending for last more than 13 years with out any proceedings because of absence of the accused," the CJM says in his fresh order.

The court further directed the SSP Srinagar to pursue the case regarding the execution of the warrant and submit compliance report in the court by or before the next date of hearing.

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) returned an application to Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding issuance of Red Corner Notice seeking an open dated non-bailable warrant of arrest and a photograph of the accused Major which it could forward to world's largest international police organisation-Interpol. CBI had taken the matter of extradition of Avtar Singh, who is reportedly staying in Canada, with Canadian embassy and asked it to make its government issue a Red Corner Notice against the accused Major wanted in Andrabi's murder case.

The Assistant Director Interpol (CBI-New Delhi) in its letter number 1400/IP-2/RT/2007 dated February 26, 2008, while addressing Inspector General of Police (IGP) Crime and Railways, Jammu had said that an open dated non bailable warrant of arrest is mandatory for sending the application to Interpol for issuance of Red Corner Notice against the accused Major. However, no headway has been made despite the court issuing three open dated non-bailable arrest warrants against the accused army Major.

On March 8, 1996, Andrabi was allegedly detained in Srinagar by Major Avtar Singh of the 35th Rashtriya Rifles son of Amar Singh a resident of Ponti Tehsil Jagadari in district Yamna Haryana. Andrabi's wife was told repeatedly by senior police officials that her husband was in custody and would be released. Three weeks later, Andrabi's body was found floating in the Jehlum river.

An autopsy showed that he had been killed days after his arrest. On March 28, the CJM Budgam Mohammad Yousuf Wani directed Jammu and Kashmir Police to take up the extradition case of accused Major. The case has been pending before the CJM for past many years and till date many orders have been passed to produce the accused before the court.

A Special Investigation Team constituted on the directions of the state High Court in 1996 had found Major Avtar Singh involved in the killing of eight persons including Jalil Andrabi.

The Kashmir Bar Association later filed a criminal revision before the High Court. After a gap of three years the case was sent back to CJM for considering the provisions of Section 549 CRPC and pass appropriate orders. The court had also directed to impound Major Avtar Singh's passport.

[Kashmir Times]


[KW Note: A renowned human rights activist, Jalil Andrabi was subjected to extra-judicial execution twelve years ago.

 

On March 8, 1996, Andrabi was detained in Srinagar by Maj. Avtar Singh, known as "Bulbul" (nightingale), of the 35th Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian army. Andrabi's wife was told repeatedly by senior police officials that Andrabi was in custody and would be released. Three weeks later, Andrabi's body was found floating in the Jhelum river; an autopsy showed that he had been killed days after his arrest.

 

A case is pending adjudication in a Budgam court against Major Avtar Singh who arrested Jalil and later killed him in cold blood. The high court has time and again directed the government to get the major arrested. Instead of honouring the court order, the union of India has informed the court that Major Avtar Singh's whereabouts were not known. The relatives of the slain activist believe that New Delhi facilitated his migration to Canada by issuing him a fake passport. ]



Posted on 06 May 2009 by Webmaster

Seeking removal of CRPF, Khaigam boycotts

FAHEEM ASLAM


Khaigam, Apr 30: Villagers of Khaigam demanding for past several months removal of a local CRPF camp whose troopers murdered a carpenter in his home in March on Thursday boycotted the parliamentary polls, accusing the government of failing to remove the camp.
Of the total 488 votes, only one was cast when the polling ended at 4 pm. The villagers have been demanding the camp of 181 Battalion of CRPF should be removed from the area, as a government probe indicted the troopers for murder of the carpenter Ghulam Mohiuddin Malik.
“We wanted to vote, but we stayed away because the government didn’t respect our sentiments and demand. All we wanted is the removal of the camp from the area which has become a source of harassment for us. But when government can’t fulfill our basic and important demand why should we vote,” said the angry villagers.
The villagers had on Wednesday decided to hold anti-election and anti-government demonstrations on Thursday. But, they said, some “policemen in civvies” approached them on Wednesday evening, asking them not to hold any protests even if they wanted to boycott the polls. “The policemen asked us not to demonstrate. We were not frightened by their words, but we thought by boycotting polls we can show our resentment in a better way,” said a villager Abdul Rashid.
After massive protests, a government probe into the carpenter’s murder led to suspension of the assistant commandant of 181 Battalion and his two troopers. The assistant commandant told the inquiry officer that the accused troopers had fired at the carpenter without his permission.
“What are we getting in return of votes? We are being killed?” said the relatives of Malik. “We have nothing to do with voting. All we want is the killers of Mohi-ud-Din punished and the CRPF camp shifted from here,” they said.
The villagers have threatened mass migration from May 5 if the government failed to shift the camp.

Seeking removal of CRPF, Khaigam boycotts

FAHEEM ASLAM


Khaigam, Apr 30: Villagers of Khaigam demanding for past several months removal of a local CRPF camp whose troopers murdered a carpenter in his home in March on Thursday boycotted the parliamentary polls, accusing the government of failing to remove the camp.
Of the total 488 votes, only one was cast when the polling ended at 4 pm. The villagers have been demanding the camp of 181 Battalion of CRPF should be removed from the area, as a government probe indicted the troopers for murder of the carpenter Ghulam Mohiuddin Malik.
“We wanted to vote, but we stayed away because the government didn’t respect our sentiments and demand. All we wanted is the removal of the camp from the area which has become a source of harassment for us. But when government can’t fulfill our basic and important demand why should we vote,” said the angry villagers.
The villagers had on Wednesday decided to hold anti-election and anti-government demonstrations on Thursday. But, they said, some “policemen in civvies” approached them on Wednesday evening, asking them not to hold any protests even if they wanted to boycott the polls. “The policemen asked us not to demonstrate. We were not frightened by their words, but we thought by boycotting polls we can show our resentment in a better way,” said a villager Abdul Rashid.
After massive protests, a government probe into the carpenter’s murder led to suspension of the assistant commandant of 181 Battalion and his two troopers. The assistant commandant told the inquiry officer that the accused troopers had fired at the carpenter without his permission.
“What are we getting in return of votes? We are being killed?” said the relatives of Malik. “We have nothing to do with voting. All we want is the killers of Mohi-ud-Din punished and the CRPF camp shifted from here,” they said.
The villagers have threatened mass migration from May 5 if the government failed to shift the camp.

Shawlbaf Protest: 29 April 1865

28 shawl weavers were killed for Protesting Against Gulab Singh’s Harsh Tax System

FAHEEM ASLAM

Srinagar, Apr 28: In a newly constructed market at Zaldagar in Shahr-e-Khaas, there are no traces of a carnage carried out by the Dogra army about 150 years ago. Yet, the memories of the incident, which led to death of 28 persons, are still fresh in the minds and hearts of the residents.
It was on 29 April 1865 when scores of shawl weavers marched through the streets of Shahr-e-Khaas against the cruel tax policies of the Dagh Shawl Department of the Dogra regime. The procession, which later came to be known as the Shalbaf procession, was also organised to protest against the “difficult working conditions, meager wages, excessive taxation and a ban on weavers who wanted to leave Kashmir valley.”
The protests were held in the wee hours of April 29 outside the house of Pandit Raj Kak Dhar, the Kashmiri Pandit official who headed the Dagh Shawl Department, in the city’s Zaldgar locality. Historians say Dhar misinformed the Dogra army that he was being attacked. As the protesters reached Zaldgar, the Dogra troops led by Colonel Bijoy Singh rounded off the demonstrators and asked them to disperse. When the unarmed protesters refused to do so, the troops fired at them and later charged them with spears. Scores of protesters jumped off the Haji Rather Sum Bridge at Zaldgar, in the hope they would hide in the marsh underneath, but at least 28 bodies were recovered from the river, and over 100 sustained wounds.
“We have been told everything about the episode by our elders. The procession was nothing but a demonstration of fight against oppression and exploitation,” said Muhammad Razak, a resident of Zaldgar while pointing toward the bridge. “This bridge always reminds us of the procession and protesters who are our real heroes. And the best nation is one which doesn’t forget its history and heroes.” “The Shalbaf procession is a very significant event in the history of Kashmir. It was the first ever agitation against the exploitative work system,” said Dr Sheikh Showkat Hussain, who teaches Law in Kashmir University.
The Shalbaf procession, Dr Showkat said, was a big event in the global context as it took place much before the historic May Day of 1886. May 1 is observed in many parts of the world as International Workers’ Day.
“The Shawl Weavers protest becomes globally important in a way that it occurred many years before the May Day. But it is pity our part that we ignore our own martyrs who rebelled against the oppressive system,” Dr Showkat told Greater Kashmir.
Sheikh Rasool, Ubli Baba, Qudda Lal, and Sona Butt were among the protesters during the Shalbaf procession who, according to historians, were imprisoned in different jails like Habak, Bahu Fort, and Ram Nagar. They were later “tortured to death.”
The noted historian, Fida Muhammad Hassnain, has recorded that Shawlbaf protest was “perhaps the first organized protest for demands in the history of class struggle in India.”

Koil family, villagers boycott polls to respect youth slain on poll day last year

Koil family, villagers boycott polls to respect youth slain on poll day last year

FAHEEM ASLAM/GOWHAR BHAT

Koil (Pulwama), Apr 30: The CRPF troopers shot dead a meritorious student in indiscriminate fire on an anti-poll demonstration on 13 December last year in this village. Today, majority of the villagers stayed away from the parliamentary elections “to respect the slain student’s martyrdom.”
“What and who should we vote for? For those who killed my son and ruined the entire family?” said Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, whose 21-year old son, Muzaffar Ahmad, was killed allegedly by a deputy commandant of 78 battalion, CRPF, and his personal security guards. He runs a grocery a few meters away from the polling station.
Sitting on a wooden log outside the shop, Ahmad said nothing would compensate his slain son. “I want my son’s killers behind bars. But even that won’t compensate my son’s loss. Nothing can compensate it,” he told Greater Kashmir. “We are 10 members in our family. All of us have resolved that we would never vote.” 
Lone and his family were not the only ones to take such a vow. “What for is the development that politicians promise? It all means nothing when innocent civilians are murdered,” said Khursheed Alam, cousin of Muzaffar Ahmad. “We are yet to recover from the shock of Muzaffar’s killing. It is ironical that the killers are still at large even as the government itself indicted them,” he said. 
In two polling booths in Koil, out of 600 votes just 20 votes had been cast till 10.30 am. A report in the evening said out of 2900 voters in the village, only 128 had voted. 
 Muzaffar Mushtaq was among three persons who sustained bullet injuries after CRPF troopers fired indiscriminately on peaceful protest at Koil. He was shifted to the district hospital Pulwama where doctors referred them to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for specialized treatment. However, Mushtaq succumbed to injuries on way to the hospital. “We haven’t voted because we want this is the time to demonstrate that we haven’t forgotten our martyrs like Muzaffar,” said a group of youth in Koil. “Some people voted here. But all of them were elderly persons who owe some kind of allegiance to political parties or their leaders. But as you can see from vote count they don’t count,” they added.
A report submitted by the Home Department in February last year had charged the deputy commandant and his guards with visiting Koil without informing the officers of the J&K police. “It is a case of professional misconduct on part of the police officer,” the report said, while recommending adequate relief and a job to the affected family.
But the mere recommendations mean nothing to the victim’s family. “Relief and job don’t mean justice,” said Mushtaq Ahmad.