Parts of Budgam, Baroosa shut to mourn last year’s polling day killings
Srinagar, Apr 09: A spontaneous shutdown was observed in parts of central Kashmir’s Budgam district and in Baroosa area of Ganderbal against the civilian killings on this day last year when Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary constituency went for polls.
All shops and other business establishments remained closed in Chadoora, Charar-e-Sharief, Pakherpora, Dalwan and Rathsuna in Beerwah – the native areas of slain civilians. Public transport also remained off the roads.
Apprehending protests, the district administration had last night ordered closure of all colleges and higher secondary schools in these areas.
Last year, Srinagar parliamentary seat that was won by National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah recorded only 7.1 per cent polling, a record low in the history of Kashmir Parliament elections.
Nine civilians were killed in forces’ action during the day. While eight civilians died in forces’ action on protesters during the poll violence in Budgam areas, another civilian was shot by the forces in Barsoo village of Ganderbal.
Reports said all the shops and other business establishments remained closed in Baroosa also.
According to locals, 20-year-old Umer Farooq Ganie was killed after the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel opened fire on a group of boys standing at Baroosa bypass “without any provocation” on this day last year.
Family as well the locals have sought a probe into the killing and stringent punishment to the guilty forces’ personnel.
Police has already registered a case in this regard.
