SRINAGAR: The killing of a 65-year-old man in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir has become embroiled in conflicting narratives, obscuring the truth surrounding the incident. The only credible witness to the tragedy is the victim’s 3-year-old grandchild, who was found sitting on his grandfather’s corpse, visibly traumatized and bewildered.
The incident has drawn comparisons to the killing of 12-year-old Palestinian child Muhammad al Durra in 2000, whose father’s desperate attempts to shield him from Israeli gunfire became an enduring symbol of the conflict. However, the perpetrators responsible for al Durra’s death were never held accountable, leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory of Palestinians.
According to the police, the Kashmiri man, identified as Bashir Ahmed Khan, was shot dead during a crossfire when insurgents attacked Indian security forces in the Sopore district. The police reported that one Indian paramilitary trooper was also killed in the gun battle.
Deliberate Murder of Kashmiri Man
In contrast, Khan’s daughter contends that her father was targeted in a deliberate act of violence. She claims that while he was on his way to cash a cheque at the bank, he was forcefully pulled out of his car and shot without mercy. Expressing her anguish, she questioned the morality of those responsible for shooting an unarmed man in front of a 3-year-old child.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Khan’s wife alleges that their 3-year-old grandson was intentionally made to sit on his grandfather’s lifeless body. The incident has sparked outrage, with many condemning the inhumane treatment of the deceased and emphasizing the need for respect, even in times of conflict.
Former Chief Minister of disputed Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, highlighted the unsettling nature of the Kashmir conflict, pointing out that the suffering of the young child was being exploited to reinforce a biased narrative. He referred to certain Indian journalists and media outlets who portrayed the police as protectors of the child, contributing to the distorted accounts surrounding the incident.
Amidst the conflicting narratives presented by the Indian state and counternarratives, the truth behind the killing remains obscured. The 3-year-old child stands as the sole credible witness to the tragic event, raising further concerns about the complexities and challenges inherent in understanding and addressing the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir.
