Curfew in Kakapora for 2nd day
Thousands attend funeral prayers of slain militants
Curfew remained imposed in Kakapora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district for the second consecutive day Monday. Curfew was imposed following an encounter in which two militants were killed on Sunday evening.
Massive protests were held in the native villages of the slain militants while thousands attended their funeral. Two LeT militants including a Divisional Commander were killed in the encounter at Reshpora village in Kakapora. Following the encounter, scores of people pelted stones on the government forces. Authorities later imposed undeclared curfew in the area.
The Srinagar-Shopian, Srinagar-Pulwama roads today remained closed for vehicular traffic while locals were not allowed to move in the town, reports said.
Thousands of people from several areas of Pulwama attended the funeral of slain militant Bilal Ahmad alias Bilal Lelhari at Lelhara. Many Hurriyat leaders also participated in the procession. Protests were held in the area after the funeral. The protesters raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.
Another slain militant was earlier buried at 12.30 p.m. Protests rocked the area for the entire night which continued on Monday also.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Rashid of Lelhara Kakapora was 27 years old and had joined the militant groups six years ago.
“He was a cleric in a local mosque besides being humble, brave and religious,” Bilal’s relatives said.
Bilal is survived by his elderly parents, one younger brother and one sister.
The 18-year-old Mudasir Sheikh was studying in 12th class when he left studies and joined the militant ranks four months ago.
