Kulgam, Apr 01: In the death of 20-year-old Zubair, Kulgam has lost a future business leader as the slain youth had just started a soap factory.
Zubair Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Ahad Bhat of Kulgam district’s Gopalpora village was shot in the chest during clashes at Kachdora Shopian on Sunday morning where an encounter was raging between the militants and the security forces.
Zubair had left home early in the morning for his aunt’s place in the neighboring Kachdora village, and what came back from there was his dead body.
Locals, who are in a state of shock over his death, praise Zubair for his personal qualities.
“Just a week back we laid foundation of a soap factory for Zubair. I had lots of expectations from him because he was a very dedicated boy. But the dream to see his business flourish is shattered now. I have lost all my hopes in his death,” lamented Abdul Ahad Bhat, father of the deceased.
“I met Zubair in the way when he left for Kachdora this morning. I can still picture him in my mind. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him dead,” said one of his neighbors.
As the news of Zubair’s death reached Gopalpora, people were seen marching towards his home and later thousands of people offered his funeral prayers in multiple rounds.
Meanwhile, talking to ‘Kashmir Images’, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Kulgam Dr Ghulam Mohammad Bhat said, so far 23 injured civilians were brought to this hospital Kulgam for treatment — out of them seven had pellet injuries near eyes and 16 bore bullet injuries.”
Heavy clashes also erupted late evening in Okay village of Kulgam over the death of another civilian, Mejraj Ahmad Mir (20), son of Mohammad Yaseen Mir. Forces retaliated with heavy tear and pepper-gas shelling.
