‘Amarnath terror attack condemnation proves Kashmiriyat is alive’

Srinagar, July 13 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the overwhelming condemnation of the Amarnath terror attack by Kashmiris has proved that the eclectic culture and tradition known as 'Kashmiriyat' is alive.

Mehbooba Mufti was speaking to the media after paying homage to the martyrs of 1931, who laid down their lives fighting the autocratic rule in the state.

She said despite the atmosphere of fear and terror created by militancy, Kashmiris cutting across political and ideological divide have overwhelmingly condemned the terror attack.

Militants sprayed bullets on an unescorted private bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims in the Khanabal area of Anantnag district on the Jammu-Srinagar highway killing seven pilgrims and injuring 19 others on Monday.

Early on Thursday, the Chief Minister arrived at the Martyrs graveyard in Khanyar area of the old city here. She was accompanied by senior Ministers of the ruling PDP.

A guard of honour was presented by a contingent of the state police at the martyrs grave and floral tributes were paid.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference working President Omar Abdullah and chief of state Congress G.A. Mir also arrived later to offer tributes to the martyrs.

On July 13, 1931, 21 people were killed in a firing by the forces outside the Srinagar Central Jail, where an in-camera trial of Abdul Qadeer, a freedom fighter, was being held.

The crowd had stormed the central jail against the detention of Qadeer when the firing incident took place.

Extraordinary security arrangements were made around the Martyrs graveyard as the Khanyar area of the old city is adjacent to Nowhatta where tension was witnessed on Wednesday because of the killing of a Hizbul militant, Sajad Ahmad Gilkar.

Gilkar, belonging to Pandan area of Nowhatta, was killed along with two other Hizbul militants in Redbug village of Badgam district on Wednesday.

Police has said Gilkar was responsible for the lynching of Deputy Superintendent of Police Muhammad Ayub Pandit on June 23 outside the Jamia Masjid just days ahead of Eid.

Police said after masterminding the police officer's lynching, Gilkar had joined the ranks of the Hizbul outfit.