KL Report

SRINAGAR

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Pics: Bilal Bahadur.

On Thursday, when Kashmir is observing the anniversary of two heavy-weight assassinations, restrictions are imposed in main city’s five police stations, besides in Maisuma to prevent any commemoration.

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In areas falling under the territorial jurisdiction of Khanyar, MaharajGunj, Nowhatta, Safakadal, Rainawari and Maisuma police stations, what is ubiquitous are cops and paramilitary men, drop gates and rings of barb wires. What is apparently not visible is the life of the residents.

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Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq

In Kashmir’s recent history, May 21 is a date that is drenched in blood. In 1990, on this date, militants killed Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq at his Nigeen mansion. Nearly 60 mourners were shot dead while taking Mirwaiz Farooq’s body for burial at Hawal Srinagar.

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Abdul Gani Lone

Twelve years later in 2012, another militant shot dead Abdul Gani Lone in full public view when he was attending slain Mirwaiz’s anniversary in Eidgah.

To commemorate the day, Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for Eidgarh rally on the twin death anniversaries.

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But authorities last evening placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, besides decided to impose section 144 over old city and Maisuma to thwart the rally.

What makes the day distinct is that the families of the Hawal massacre say they have not got any justice at all. While the alleged assassin of Lone was killed a few years later, the court has already given lifer to the Mirwaiz Farooq’s assassins.

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