Thousands of people today participated in the funeral of Hizbul Mujahideen militant killed in an encounter with government forces in Babgund area of this district.Reports reaching news gathering agency Global News Service said that hundreds of people marched towards Sambooba when the body of Hizb militant Shabir Ahmad was brought to his native village for funeral prayers in the afternoon. The crowd swelled in numbers as more and more people from Kakpora, Sethar, Mohanvij and adjoining villages visited the area to have a last glimpse of the slain militant.“The funeral prayers of Ahmad were offered at high School Samboora.His body was later carried in a procession to martyrs graveyard where he was laid to rest,” witnesses told GNS.Despite strict restrictions, witnesses said Ahmad’s funeral drew huge crowds as a result of which three rounds of funeral prayers were offered for the slain militant.“Even a group of militants appeared at the funeral and offered gun salute to their colleague. The militants left the spot as the school ground resonated with pro-freedom and anti-India slogans,” witnesses said.eanwhile, violent protests broke out in Kakpora after funeral prayers of Ahmad were offered. Angry youth pelted rocks at the government forces who responded with tear smoke shells, reports said.The clashes continued for several hours; however no one was reported to be hurt. (GNS)