Tuesday 21st Jan, 2025
Pulwama, Aug 17, CNS: Amid restrictions, thousands of mourners participated in the funeral prayers of Lashkar-e-Toiba militant Ayoub Lelhari in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district onThursday.
Ayoub was killed in an ambush in Bandpora village of Pulwama district when he was travelling in a private passenger vehicle. The brief encounter had resulted in his death while two cops were also wounded in the shootout.
His killing had sparked violent protests in the district while authorities had imposed restrictions to stop protest rallies and clashes.
Witnesses told CNS that tens of thousands of people defied restrictions and reached his ancestral village-Lelhar. Though government forces had sealed entry and exit points, but people took alternative routes including lanes and orchards to reach the native village of the slain militant.
“Amid pro-freedom slogans thousands of people participated in his last rites. People bid him adieu with tearful eyes,” said an eyewitness to CNS.
Reports said that shortly after the culmination of last rites, clashes erupted between civilian protesters and forces in Kakapora area of Pulwama district.
Reports added that a protester sustained injuries during clashes after he was hit with a teargas shell near Samboora Bridge. The injured was shifted to SDH Pampore for treatment. (CNS)