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| Waiting for three years, justice eludes for victims | | Communal clashes that put Kishtwar on fire on Aug 2008 | | Asif Iqbal Naik
kishtwar, Aug 11: In what could be recalled as the worst communal riots in the history of the Kishtwar District, which is relatively known as the place of brotherhood between the two communities, the tempers from sides have cooled down over the three years when these erupted in the year 2008. But discontent prevails as the vicitims are yet to get justice from any quarter.
Kishtwar is known across the state for strong bonds between communities. This is even substnatiated by often cited story about friendship ties between a Hindu youth and sofi saint Hazrat Shah Mohammad Asrar-ud-Din Baghdadi (RTA) commonly known as Asrar sahib though out the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was Shah Asrar Sahib who with the blessing of God give life to his Hindu friend after he died. But the communal riots of 1993 and August 12,with completely polarised situation of 2008 shattered the base of brotherhood between the two communities who were later divided on the communal front witnessed in 2008 state Assembly election.
However, even after the lapse of 3 years, the victims both Hindu as well as Muslims who had suffered due to these worst riots in which more than 100 shops were burnt and looted by the unruly mobs, beside several other houses were also torched by the rioters belonging from both communities are waiting for justice .
After the eruption of communal riots in Kishtwar District, two people including a 12 year old child was shot dead by some unidentified gunman at Gudhali chowk Kishtwar. Even though several FIR's were registered and even some persons involved in these riots were identified, but Kishtwar police and administration fails to take any action against those people, the reason best known to them.
It was the morning of 12th August 2008, when a procession led by Immam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar violated the curfew and held a protest demonstration to mourn the death of Huriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz a day before during Muzaffar Abad march, which is to be followed by the prayers in abstain (Gaybana Nimaz-e-Jinaza), but the protestors while passing through the flesh point Hidyal Chowk, a communally sensitive chowk came under the attack from the youths of other community who had already assembled in large number. As soon as the protest led by Immam Jamia Masjid came under stone pelting, the Muslim youths retaliated as a result of which several houses and shops belong to Muslim community was burnt to ashes in no time. As a matter of retaliation, the Muslim youths also robbed the business establishments belong to the members of Hindu community situated at Muslim dominated areas like Bus Stand and Gudhali chowk. After day long barbarism on the streets of Kishtwar, District Administration calls the army, who took over the control of Kishtwar District as result of which the administration manage to put hold on the communal riots.
Sheikh Faizullah, one the victim of Kishtwar communal clashes said that he still remembers the day, when he along with his family member were trapped inside his own house after the rioters have set it on fire. "I have identified few among those who set my house on fire, but even after the lapse of three years no one was arrested till date" dejected Sheikh Faizullah said. He said that government is still sleep over the issue. He said that at the time of communal clashes, the state is under governor rule. "we have lot of expectation from Omar Abdullah led popular government, but he too fails to provide us justice" Sheikh Faizullah further said. He said and hoped that guilty will be punished sooner or later. Similar views were also expressed by president Industries and Commerce Kishtwar Rakesh Gupta. Gupta, who himself feels the heat in 1993 Kishtwar communal clashes after his two shops "Madan Lal and Sons" and "Rakesh Gupta and sons" were burnt and robbed by the rioters said that business community is an easy target as and when such types of incident took place. He said that he is disappointed over inaction on part of the Kishtwar police. "Any relaxation on part of the police in such cases will promote more such actions in future" Gupta said. He said that for people like us, business is everything and it is difficult for a business man to reestablish its business after suffering losses due to any incident like communal clashes. He said that government fails to full fill his promises as far as helping the members of business community is concerned. "Paying Rs. 1 lac to the effected business man is not enough, as most of the businessman suffers losses worth more than 10 lacs" Gupta said. He termed the help on part of the government as cruel joke. He said that even few businessmen were deprived off insurance claims till date. Gupta said that justice delayed will be justice denied and hoped that the victims of Kishtwar communal clashes will be delivered sooner or later. |
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