samples being sent to FSL laboratories in Kolkatta and Hyderabad to save the killers. Government set up an inquiry to look into the matter and ended up freeing the accused in fudging case and forgetting the larger criminals. That is the only case that was highlighted, how many have gone unreported nobody can tell. Even after so much of outcry, the Pathribal report has not been made public.

Separatist leaders

On the day of incident separatists were allowed to move without inhibition. On the second day they were arrested and then released next day. On Friday when it was expected that separatists might come out with a statement that will clear the air, government snapped all communication links of Geelani, further compounding the environment.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani Photo: Bilal Bahadur

At no point of time did government hold serious discussions with people in general or separatists in particular. According to Salim Sheikh, a private insurance agent, “The only news that spread out was that government is not serious in solving the issue and thus the level of desperation and frustration only increased and people came out with more charged atmosphere.”

In Shopian incident, there was no effort on part of government to clear the confusion, rather by its actions, it added to the chaos. Were the two drowned or not, clothes were torn or not, death was natural or unnatural, rape or no rape. Police first came up with a statement and then withdrew it. The family members had said that the clothes of the deceased were torn and there were visible torture marks on their bodies. Within 24 hours government says there were no torture marks except some bruises caused possibly by drowning in the stream. Even CM in the press conference said that they even had their jewellery on.

The appointments made during this crucial time too have invited wrath from public. CM made two more appointments – one was a new DC for Shopian and second was the retired chief justice for probing the incident. Abdul Majid Khanday, the new DC for Shopian was earlier DC of Ganderbal overseeing CM’s home constituency. Retd Muzaffar Jan has come to limelight during his career when he gave a judgment on Permanent Resident Certificate issue allowing women marrying outside the state to retain their property. He is also the next door neighbour to chief minister.

Off late Omar Abdullah came out with a statement wherein he mentioned his feeling of pain of the victim’s family. He seemed too much apologetic and down to earth in order to get his words reach the people’s heart, but the damage was already done with his first press conference.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here