The families of civilians killed in alleged Srinagar gunfight staged a protest in Press Enclave seeking justice and bodies of their slain kin.
Holding placards which read “We want justice”, “Return the body”, scores of men and women in the biting cold assembled at the scribe lane and sought justice.
The protesters were raising slogans like “stop bloodshed of oppressed and return body of martyr Altaf Bhat”. Bhat was among four people killed in a gunfight in Srinagar that has raised many questions. While the police claimed that two militants and one of their associate was killed in the gunfight. The families of at least three of the slain have contested police claims saying all of them had no links with militancy or militants.
On Wednesday, the family members and relatives assembled in Srinagar and sought justice, “We only want that our brother’s body be returned. I appeal all Kashmiris to come on roads and protest against this injustice. Today this calamity has befallen on us, tomorrow it can happen to you.” Dr Hanief Bhat who identified himself as brother of Altaf said.
Hanief also appealed Kashmir politicians to raise their voice beyond Twitter and redeem their lost respect, “If you (politicians) really are with us, then join us,” Hanief added as he broke down in tears.
He appealed governor LG Sinha to return the body of his brother, “Why are you returning the body if IG says he regrets killing my brother, we will not stay silent till the body is not returned, we will keep on protesting till our body is not returned.”
Meanwhile the family of Mudasir Gul who the police termed as an OGW also protested in the press colony and sought body of their loved one, “He was not an OGW, please return his body,” said a woman who carried a toddler in her arms.
