Slain driver laid to rest amid shutdown

Drivers appeal CM to stop Forces from using their vehicles

5 Dariya News

Shopian 05-May-2017

South Kashmri’s Shopian district Friday observed a complete shutdown against government forces tactics to force civilian drivers to ferry them for anti-militancy operations.Thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of slain driver Nazir Ahmad Sheikh who was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Kachdoora amid pro-freedom and pro-Hizbul Mujahideen slogans.Sheikh was ferrying soldiers returning from a daylong anti-militancy operation in Shopian when militants ambushed the vehicle on Thursday evening. Three soldiers were also injured in the attack.Witnesses told CNS that mourners carrying Sheikh’s body for burial shouted slogans in favour of Kashmir’s freedom and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant outfit.Locals alleged that government forces are forcing civilian drivers to accompany them during anti-militancy operations. The local mourners of Kachdoora alleged that the slain driver was forcibly taken away by government forces.Transporters from the district appealed government to look into the matter and direct Government Forces to stop using private vehicles.Drivers while talking to reporters alleged that they government forces were "committing atrocities" on them. “The slain driver Nazir Ahmed was very humble and down to earth. He was forcibly taken away by Forces. We are in quagmire of oppression. We don’t know where the Chief Minister and the Minister for Transport is,” said a driver. Another driver showed a bullet mark on his body saying that he also received a bullet while ferrying soldiers.Reports said that all the shops and business establishments remained shut while transport didn’t play on the roads. Large contingent of Police and Para-military Central Reserve Police Force personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in the district. (CNS)