The menace of Kashmiris attending militant funerals is back

Pro-Azadi slogans were heard at Dar's funeral that was held in Kakpora in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 21: The menace of people attending funerals of militants in Jammu and Kashmir continues. On November 20, scores of people attended the funeral of Rayees Ahmed Dar, a Lashkar-e-Taiba militant who was killed in an encounter on Saturday.

Pro-Azadi slogans were heard at the funeral that was held in Kakpora in Jammu and Kashmir. Crowds poured in large numbers as a result of which security had to be stepped up in the area. For the security forces, luckily there were no law and order problems and despite the large numbers, the funeral passed off peacefully.

Disturbing trend

Over the past year, one has witnessed a disturbing trend in Kashmir. It has become a trend to attend funerals of militants that too in large numbers. Dar, who held a diploma in civil engineering, had taken to militancy a few years back.Those backing him felt that he had been targeted by the security forces.

However, security forces say that there were ample chances given to him to surrender, but he failed to do so. "We even put out a notice regarding the same, but he chose not to respond," a senior police official from Jammu and Kashmir informed OneIndia.

In South Kashmir where militancy is at its peak, one has got to witness such funerals several times in the past year. Security forces have complained that locals come out and even pelt stones at them during an ongoing encounter.

To make matters worse, there are militants who land up at the encounter spot and give a gun salute thus provoking the people further.

It may be recalled that after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani on July 8, several people had attended his funeral. Following this, the unrest in Kashmir broke out and the same went on for over 100 days.

OneIndia News