Conflict

Sabzar Killing Backlash: Palhallan erupts at ‘Sehri’, ‘minor’ clashes in Sopore

Thousands of people participated in the funeral of slain Hizb ul Mujahideen commander, Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, on May 28, 2017 in Tral, Pulwama. (FPK Photo/Vikar Syed)

Srinagar: Massive pro-freedom demonstrations were held in Baramulla’s Palhallan town after Fajr Namaz (pre-dawn prayers) on Sunday which coincided with first day of holy Ramzan in Kashmir.

A youth, who pleaded to remain anonymous, said that scores of youth marched towards Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway soon after ‘Sehri’ and Fajr prayers ended.

‘Sehri’ is a time to have meals before the advent of dawn during Ramzan when Muslims across globe observe fast during day hours.

“After Fajr namaz, people marched in groups towards Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway amid pro-freedom, pro-militant and pro-Pakistan slogans,” he said. “People praised the valour of slain Sabzar Ahmad Bhat and Burhan Muzaffar Wani.”

Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, the Hizb ul Mujahideen commander, who died fighting forces on May 27, 2017 in Saimoo village of Tral in Pulwama district.

Sabzar, a top Hizb ul Mujahideen commander, died fighting forces on Saturday morning in Saimoo village of Tral in Pulwama district. A 15-year-old militant, Faizan Muzaffar Bhat, fought alongside Sabzar with the armed forces which used heavy artillery during the firefight.

“A convoy of forces which passed through the area that time came under stone pelting attack and the regular deployment of forces was rushed which pushed the youth back to village,” he added.

The forces, the youth said, marched inside Palhallan up to Government Higher Secondary School and used sound shells, tear gas shells and chilli gas. “No one could sleep (after the Fajr namaz,” he said.

And it was around 7 AM today, he further said, that “calm returned to Palhallan”.

In nearby Sopore, youth attacked a police Chowki in Warpora area. “The forces fired several tear gas canisters and dispersed the protestors,” a scribe based in the town told the FreePressKashmir over phone. “An uneasy normalcy has returned to the area.”

In Shopian, a local student informed that songs which eulogised slain Burhan Muzaffar Wani and Sabzar Ahmad Bhat were being played in Ratnipora, Dangam, Vihil, Kachdora, Ratnipora, Wangu, Khasipora areas this morning.

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