Massive Protests erupted in Drabgam area of Shopian in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday, following the vandalism of the grave of Sameer Bhat, a popular militant commander killed in Gunbattle with the armed forces in April.
According to local sources, the protests started after announcements were made by locals in the mosques.
Locals allege that the stone has been damaged by the Army during the intervening night. The grave had become a centre of attraction, and was decorated with flowers and flags.
“After coming out of mosque following the early morning prayers we found the headstone of Sameer Tiger’s grave was damaged. The banners covering the grave were also torn to shreds,” a local told Greater Kashmir.
Meanwhile, youth have also started pelting stones on the Army camp in Shadimarg Pulwama. While In Drabgam, people are planning to go to concerned SP to put forth their demand of returning back the gravestone.
Sameer Ahmad Bhat, also called Tiger had hogged media limelight after his picture holding an American M4 carbine in an orchard, somewhere in southern part of Kashmir, surfaced on the social media.
Locals also alleged that the armed forces broke into homes and broke the doors of many houses in the Sugan area during nocturnal raids. Three civilians have been reportedly arrested in Sugan area of Shopian.