Locals aghast over the killing of mason

Staged protest, demand clearance Tosamidan from littered shells

5 Dariya News (Rouf Pampori,Yawar Shafi )

Srinagar 17-Jul-2014

The killing of a 23 year old mason sparked massive protest in Central Kashmir’s Beerwa town in District Budgam on Thursday. Bilal Ahmed Parrey son of Ghulam Muhammad lost his life when a littered shell exploded within the Tosamaidan firing range on Wednesday evening.Eyewitnesses told CNS that the body of the youth was handed over to the family members during wee hours at Cherhar Beerwah where hundreds of people stage a massive protest against the government and demanded action against the Army who according to them are directly responsible for littering the area with explosive substances.The residents stated that state government is playing politics on the issue.” On one side, the government claims that the lease period for Tosamaidan has not been extended to army. And on the other side there is no order from the government regarding the cancellation of the lease,” said Farooq Ahmad, a protestor who added that all the surrounding area of Tosa Maidan should be cleared from littered shells.

Tehsildar Khag Muhammad Shafi told CNS that authorities have directed police to start an inquiry into the matter. “Yes, the youth was killed when a littered shell exploded suddenly. Police has started investigation,” he said adding that police is also investigating the incident which occurred in May this year when a littered shell claimed the life of a little girl Simran Reyaz and seriously injured her brother.The deceased according to CNS was the sole bread earner for his family. “He had gone to Tosamidan to inquire about the condition of his flock of sheep, looked after by a shepherd, when this unfortunate incident occurred,” his brother told CNS. Meanwhile, some district officials visited the spot of incident and assured the locals that a thorough inquiry will be conducted into the matter to fix responsibility. (CNS)