A phenomenon of the 90s, receiving bodies of slain militants and honouring them with a grand and emotional farewell, is back.
In the Jinaza (funeral prayers) of two Hizbul Mujahideen militants Rayees Ahmed Wani of Pulwama and Farooq Ahmed Hurrah of Shopian, people showed up in hundrends to attend. Funeral prayers were recited a number of times in order to accommodate the huge rush.
In order to get a glimpse of the militants, amidst a sea of wailing, praying and charged emotions, people usually climb tress and bid goodbye.
To shoulder the coffin or the cot is considered to be an honour. People vie with each other to bear the weight of the slain militant while praying that ‘Allah accepts his martyrdom’.
Women throw almonds and sweets on the dead body, traditionally done for the arrival of bridegrooms.
Free Press Kashmir’s photo journalist Vikar Syed captures the final journey of Wani and Hurrah.
Family of militant Rayees Ahmad Wani wailing over his body during his funeral at his native village in Pulwama, Kashmir. Wani (center) was killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)
Hundreds came from differnt parts of Kashmir to get a glimpse of militant Rayees Ahmad Wani during his funeral in Pulwama, Kashmir. Wani was killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)
People carrying the body of militant Farooq Ahmad Hurrah during his funeral at Nazneepora, Shopian, Kashmir. Hurrah was killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)
People are seen holding the cot carrying the body of militant Farooq Ahmad Hurrah (not in photo) during his funeral at Nazneepora, Shopian, Kashmir. Hurrah was killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)
Hundreds assembled during the funeral of militant Farooq Ahmad Hurrah at Nazneepora, Shopian, Kashmir. Hurrah was killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)
Family of militant Farooq Ahmad Hurrah wailing over his body at Nazneepora, Shopian, Kashmir. Hurrah was killed in a gunfight with Indian soldiers (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)
