Ganderbal: Protests were held in Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Thursday after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti concluded her visit to the family of slain youth Gowhar Ahmad Rather where she assured that justice will be done.women raise pro-freedom slogans.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday visited Kangan and condoled with the family of Gowher Ahmed Rather who was killed in a firing incident on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister assured the family members that the guilty found involved in excessive use of force in the incident would be brought to book. She also conveyed her sympathies with the bereaved family.
MLC, Yasir Reshi; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Khan; IGP Kashmir zone, S P Pani; Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Piyush Singla; SSP, Fayaz Ahmad Lone and other senior officers accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.
Gowhar Ahmed Rather (22) was critically injured and subsequently died in SKIMS Soura Srinagar hospital after according to eyewitnesses a policeman fired at him at point blank range.
The killing sparked massive clashes and shutdown, forcing Government to initiate inquiry and arrest the accused cop.
Massive security arrangements had been made to ensure peaceful visit of Chief Minister in the town.
Eyewitnesses said the a large number of people staged protest as soon as Mehbooba left the place.
A magisterial probe has been ordered besides the departmental inquiry being conducted by the police. A policeman has so far been suspended over the killing, which locals and the family of the slain youth say was “cold-blooded murder”.
An eyewitness said that people, including men and women, took to streets and held protests after Mehbooba left from the area.
The protesters raised pro-freedom, pro-Islam and anti-government slogans.
The father of the slain youth said that he had little expectations from the probe ordered by the government.He dubbed the chief minister’s visit as a publicity stunt. “She (Mehbooba) came here to express condolences. And the (authorities) also carry out such visits for photo-ops. We have put forth three demands before the CM and we will get to know by the end of today if she acts,” said the father of slain youth.
The family, among other demands, has asked the chief minister to dismiss the accused cop from service.