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| 6 years after infamous Kishtwar communal riots, Police fails to prosecute culprits | | | Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Aug 11: 6 years since communal riots that broke out in Kishtwar District on August 12, 2008 resulting into the killing of two persons including 10 year old Gujjar youth; a domestic help who was shot dead by some unidentified person near Gudhali chowk and loot and arson of government and private property including shops, hotels, petrol pump and over a dozen houses , Kishtwar police has failed even to prosecute a single person despite the fact that FIR in this regard stands registered at police station Kishtwar.
Like previous years, the memories of 2008 Kishtwar communal clashes are fresh among the people of Kishtwar District, particularly among those who lost their dear ones in these communal clashes that broke out after a procession led by Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar violated the curfew and held a protest demonstration to mourn the death and to perform Jenazzah (Prayers in absentia) of Huriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz who died during Muzaffar Abad march, but the protestors while passing through the flesh point Hidyal Chowk, a communally sensitive area allegedly came under the attack from the youths of other community who had already assembled in large number. As soon as the protest led by Imam Jamia Masjid came under stone pelting, the majority community youths retaliated as a result of which several houses and shops belonging to both communities were burnt to ashes in no time. Soon the fire of communal violence spread to areas like old bus stand, new bus stand and Gudhalichowks where the shops were robbed and burnt down. After day long barbarism on the streets of Kishtwar, District Administration called the army, who took over the control of Kishtwar District.
But 6 years after that fateful day, Kishtwar police failed to act against the culprits mainly due to prevailing pressure from various political parties since the youths involved from both the communities in violence related incidents were having political affiliations. Even though several FIR's were registered and even some persons involved in these riots were identified, but Kishtwar police and administration failed to take any action against these culprits.
"We have high hope on our democratic setup and I am hopeful that one day the culprits involved in burning my shop will be punished" said a riot victim wishing anonymity. He was left to the mercy of God as everyone turned blind eye towards him including the government who paid few thousand rupees to him as compensation against the losses to the tune of more than Rs. 10 lacs.
Another victim said that as and when they inquire about the progress of the case, Kishtwar police gives irrelevant answers and dodge the matter. Another victim said that neither government gives us anything nor they provide us the justice by punishing the culprits who are roaming free in the society threatening the peace and tranquility within the society. "Government should either compensate us fully or they must do justice with us by punishing the culprits under law" demanded the victims of 2008 Kishtwar communal clashes. |
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