KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Following the appeal by pro-freedom leaders, funeral prayers in absentia for civilians killed by forces in Kashmir were held at most places of the Valley and also held protest marches to mark a protest against civilian killings from past seven days.
The pro-freedom leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik had appealed Imams to offer funeral prayers in absentia and had also appealed them to lead the protests against civilian killings.
Reports said that as soon as the Friday congregational prayers were held across the Valley, funereal in absentia prayers were held at most parts of the Valley for the civilians who were killed in ongoing violence in Kashmir.
Locals from various areas informed KNS that funeral prayers in absentia were held in several areas of Kashmir including Srinagar, Pulwama, Baramulla, Bandipora, Islamabad and others.
“The people from various areas gathered outside of their respective local Masjids and chanted pro-freedom slogans,” reports said, adding that the protesters also marched to protests against the civilian killings.
Hundreds of people after Friday congregational prayers assembled outside the local Masjid here at Naik Bagh, Nowgam and tried to march towards Lal Chowk.
However, police intercepted the protesters at Natipora Chowk and didn’t allow the protesters o march towards Lal Chowk.
Reports said that clashes erupted between youth and forces in Humhama area of Srinagar. “Clashes erupt after Friday congregational prayers in Humhama while police resorted to tear smoke shells to disperse the agitated youth,” witnesses said.
Inhabitants alleged that the forces thrashed Haji Ghulam Mohi-ud-din and his son Muhammad Shafi, his brother Muhammad Yousuf, his wife and his daughter.
Haji Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din alleged, “Police officials entered in our house and thrashed our family ruthlessly without any provocation. Wife of Muhammad Yousuf and his daughter were injured after police personnel thrashed them.”
Reports said that funeral prayers in absentia was also held at Baba Demb Srinagar and also held peaceful protest against the civilian killings, adding that the clashes erupted between youth and forces in Shivpora area of Kashmir.
“As soon as the Friday prayers ended in different Masjids here, the youth from the area took out a protest rally against the killing spree in Kashmir and pay homage to slain militant commander Burhan Wani,” reports said.
Nonetheless, reports said that forces cane charged the youth who retaliated with stones.
According to correspondents, thousands of people offered funeral prayers in absentia for civilians at old Eidgah Baramulla situated in old town Baramulla and also held peaceful protest against the civilian killings.
Correspondent from Baramulla informed that protests were also held in Sheeri area of Baramulla. “Clashes erupted between youth and forces in the area while police resorted to tear smoke shells to disperse the youth who were throwing stones on them,” witnesses said.
The authorities barred people to offer Friday congregations at Jamia Masjids of Islamabad town while protests were also held in several parts of Islamabad district including Gadapora, Dialgam, Kungsoo and Paibugh.
“Police resorted to tear smoke shells to disperse the youth who were throwing stones on them,” witnesses said.
Similar reports of funeral prayers in absentia for civilians and peaceful protests were also received from other parts of the Valley as well.
Meanwhile, authorities did not allow the people to offer Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid in old city.
Reports said that Police did not allow even the management to open the locks of Jamia Masjid.
