Year on, family of eight-year-old Umar Farooq awaits justice

Srinagar: A year after lone brother of six sisters, Umar Farooq was found dead on 19 July, 2019 in mysterious conditions, the family of the deceased demanded capital punishment for the involved persons. Notably, Kupwara Police had constituted a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the possible murder case but barely few weeks later, the case was handed over to Crime Branch.
The family Tuesday sought capital punishment for those behind the murder of their eight-year-old child whose body was found lying within mysterious conditions at Gushi Bridge in Kupwara district last year with burn marks, severe scratches and an arm amputated. An eyewitness said that banners and posters reading “Justice for Umar Farooq” were erected in the locality on his first anniversary today.
“There seems no ray of hope for my devastated family. I had only son among six daughters. Many were taken by police and interrogated including my neighbours, relatives and me as well but still there in no conclusion to the case,” Farooq Ahmad Malik, father of Umar Malik said. Shareefa Begum, mother of Umer Malik recalled the pain she faced since the death of her lone son.
“My son wasn’t a militant, spy or a stone pelter, why authorities are taking so long to come up with the conclusion,” Shareefa questioned. However, Shareefa was hopeful that Crime Branch will crack the case and will nab the murderers soon. Nonetheless, she threatened to commit suicide in case the authorities fail to deliver justice soon.