Slain driver laid to rest amid shutdown

Shopian/May,4: South Kashmri’s Shopian district Friday observed a complete shutdown against government forces tactics to force civilian drivers to ferry them for anti-militancy operations. Meanwhile Hurriyat(G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has blamed forces for the death of civilian driver.
Thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of slain driver Nazir Ahmad Sheikh who was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Kachdoora amid pro-freedom and pro-Hizbul Mujahideen slogans.
Sheikh was ferrying soldiers returning from a daylong anti-militancy operation in Shopian when militants ambushed the vehicle on Thursday evening. Three soldiers were also injured in the attack.
Witnesses said mourners carrying Sheikh’s body for burial shouted slogans in favour of Kashmir’s freedom and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant outfit.
Locals alleged that government forces are forcing civilian drivers to accompany them during anti-militancy operations. The local mourners of Kachdoora alleged that the slain driver was forcibly taken away by government forces.
Transporters from the district appealed government to look into the matter and direct Government Forces to stop using private vehicles.
Drivers while talking to reporters alleged that they government forces were “committing atrocities” on them. “The slain driver Nazir Ahmed was very humble and down to earth. He was forcibly taken away by Forces. We are in quagmire of oppression. We don’t know where the Chief Minister and the Minister for Transport is,” said a driver. Another driver showed a bullet mark on his body saying that he also received a bullet while ferrying soldiers.
Reports said that all the shops and business establishments remained shut while transport didn’t play on the roads. Large contingent of Police and Para-military Central Reserve Police Force personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in the district.
Meanwhile Syed Ali Geelani expressed his deep grief over the death of a driver during Kallora Shopian crackdown. Geelani blamed forces for his death and said that forces are responsible as an unarmed driver was forcibly put to services to ferry army men.
Forces version is incredible and hard to believe, said Geelani. How can we believe that said driver was killed in shootout, while as forces personnel escaped unhurt?
Force always in their revengeful practice target civilians and most probably   he is the victim of same forces strategy, said Geelani
Geelani strongly condemned the use of excessive forces against civilians and ransacking of properties during massive crackdown in Shopian and said that authorities have let loose the reign of terror and instead of making these elements accountable for their wrongdoings, are encouraged.
Geelani in his statement condemned the night raids and ransacking of properties in Qutb Din Pora in Srinagar and blamed police for declaring war on civilians and said that they are pursuing the agenda of Indian forces.
Accusing police for manhandling civilians, Geelani said that they too are acting as harsh as Indian forces are doing.
Geelani warned state police and asked to desist from this bullying. Police men are part of this society and should not indulge in such brutal activities, that may prove otherwise, added Geelani.