Special Correspondent
Aligarh
Students from Jammu and Kashmir studying at Aligarh Muslim University held a football tournament in memory of their late fellow, Aamir Nazir Latoo.
Amir was killed by men in uniform during the summer 2016 uprising in his native area of Bijbehara in Islamabad district of South Kashmir.
Aamir was pursuing post-graduation (M Com) in AMU and was in 3rd semester when he was killed by the forces on July 11, three days after popular Hizbul Mujahideen Commander, Burhan Wani, was killed by forces in Bemdoora area of Kokernag in the same district.
Remembering Aamir, his fellow students described him modest and passionate about football.
Aamir had sustained bullet injuries in abdomen which resulted in damage to his internal organs, and his liver and kidney were ruptured.
The tournament started on 10th of February 2017 in which a total of 16 teams participated from different hostels of AMU.
All the teams had a Kashmiri touch in their names like Bungus Gladiators, Pir Panchal FC, Kashmir United, Kashmir Riders, Palhallan Warriors, ‘Mazloom’ Koshur.
Although the participants were not well versed with football but they showed a great zeal and zest during the whole tournament, a participating student said.
The final match of the tournament was played between Sangarmaal Warriors and Bijbehara Challengers on 14th of February in which later emerged victorious.
The trophies were given to winners and runner up team in addition to medals to the players of both teams, one of the organizers said.
Also special mementos were given to ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Tournament’.
More than 300 students from Kashmir were present during the final match of the tournament.
It is pertinent to mention that students from J&K at AMU also organise a cricket tournament played every year since last 15 years in memory of Ab Rouf, a PhD scholar at AMU, who hailed from Sopore and was killed by Army when he was on way to his home from Aligarh on 25 December 2000.
While talking to the Kashmir Life, the students who organized this event said that this was an initiative “aimed to remember our fellow ‘Alig’ and a fellow Kashmiri”.
“This tournament will be held every year now with same zeal,” he said. “In the end special prayers were held in favour of Aamir Latoo.”
