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Rounds of funerals for slain Kakpora militants; Clashes intensify, injuries galore

FPK file Photo

Srinagar: Thousands of people attended funeral prayers of slain militants in Pulwama on Thursday.

Shariq @ Hanzala, Majad Mir @ Abass, both residents of Kakapora Pulwama, and Irshad Ahmad of Aghanzpur Awantipora died in an encounter with the armed forces in Kakpora area of Pulwama district early this morning.

They were associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit.

As people marched towards the native villages of the slain militants, district administration issued directions for imposition of restrictions in at least three towns of the district, however, people remained adamant and moved towards Kakpora and Awantipora resulting in clashes.

One civilian was shot dead by the armed forces while as over a dozen others were injured.

Internet services have been snapped in the district form last night while as Srinagar-Jammu highway closed after mourners assembled near a shrine in Awantipora for last rites of slain Irshad Ahmad.

The government also suspended the train services in Kashmir following massive clashes in souther parts.

“The body of Irshad was taken to Jamia Masjid Awantipora in a boat crossing river Jhelum,” said a scribe.

Jamia Masjid is situated metres away from the famous shrine located on right side of Srinagar-Jammu highway in Awantipora.

“Thousands of people attended the funeral, which was held thrice, in the premises of the Jamia Masjid and Irshad was later buried in the graveyard adjacent to shrine,” he added.

Adjacent to the Jamia Masjid lies a burnt down hut of J&K government’s tourism department. It was set on fire during 2016 uprising.

In Kakpora, the native village of Shariq @ Hanzala, Majad Mir @ Abass, multiple funerals was held for the duo slain militants.

The duo is yet to be buried.

Slain Tawseef Ahmad Wani

The slain civilian, identified as Tawseef Ahmad Wani, was killed in Kakpora when hit by a bullet in neck fired by the men in uniform. He had come to participate in the funeral of slain Shariq and Majad Mir.

He belonged to Nagbal Tengpuna, a village two kilometers from main town Pulwama.

As the funeral prayers were being held, clashes continued between the armed forces and protestors. Around thirty people were injured in the forces action in Kakpora while as a dozen of others were injured in Awantipora.

“The armed forces have fired scores of tear gas shells and fired pellets as well on the protesting youth who are hurling stones,” said an eye witness from Kakpora.

Meanwhile, a speeding Ambulance, carrying civilians injured in armed forces action in Kakpora, hit a lady in Pampore area of Pulwama district. She was rushed to sub-district hospital in the area for treatment.

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