KSNN: Year was yet another year when the grief struck global paradise of world ( Kashmir) continued to witness many upheavals’ .In this analysis we take a glance at 5 big events that shaped Kashmir in 2013.
1. Afzal Guru hanging and protests
On February 9, 2013, the people of Kashmir woke up to the news of Mohammed Afzal Guru’s hanging that had been carried out in secrecy. The convict of the 2001 Parliament attack case was hanged and buried in Tihar Jail premises. Apparently, Afzal Guru’s mercy petition was rejected by the President on February 3 and the Home Ministry gave its approval for execution on February 4.
Soon Kashmir was completely clamped with curfew. Security forces almost occupied every street and bye-lane. Protests started to engulf almost every district of Kashmir, for months life was hit by strikes and protests .Many protesters died and scores got wounded in the action of security forces on protests.
2. Hyderpora Attack
On the eve of Indian Prime Minister visit to Kashmir militants carried out a sensational attack on army on 24 June 2013, 8 army men were killed and 14 sustained injures when an army convoy was attacked at Hyderpora in Srinagar, . As per reports, the attack took place in the Hyderpora bypass on the Airport road, when an army convoy came under ambush.
The year 2013 saw man policeman, army men, militants losing their lives in violent encounters and attacks.
3. Geelani’s siege lifted after 236 days
The 236-day long siege on veteran pro-freedom leader and Hurriyat (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani was lifted when police dismantled the bunker outside his residence in November,2013.
Geelani started his political activities by addressing a public meetings in Sopore after which he paid a visit to the residence of Muhammad Afzal Guru, who was sent to the gallows on February 9 this year. Geelani addressed massive public rallies especially in Kulgam and Kupwara.
4. Engineer Hilal War joined Hurriyat (M)
On December 8, 2013 Sunday the visionary, highly educated and intellectual face of pro-freedom movement and Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Political Party (PPP), Engineer Hilal Ahmad War joined the Hurriyat Conference with a promise that he will magnify the image of APHC and will strengthen the hands of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq till Kashmir issue is resolved as per the aspirations of people.
War made his entry into the Hurriyat camp at the amalgam’s Rajbagh headquarters wherein Mirwaiz and the Hurriyat’s executive and general council leaders had assembled to address a seminar organized in connection with the human rights week.
Scores of supporters accompanied War to the Hurriyat office from Maisuma amid pro-freedom slogans. War addressed the seminar, saying his decision to join Hurriyat was “not based on emotions but the fact that Mirwaiz is an educated, young and dynamic leader, which has been acknowledged by the world community.”
“It is after 17 years I returned to my real home (Hurriyat). Mr. War said, “we will take the mission of our martyrs to its logical end and proudly said I am not a leader but a soldier of Kashmir”.
5. BOPEE Scandal
The Board of Professional Entrance Examination BOPEE related scam also hogged the limelight in Kashmir throughout the year 2013; the officials allegedly in league with few brokers are accused of selling exam papers to greedy people ahead of the examination. This scam proved the rot prevalent in the Kashmir and hinted at how deep roots of corruption are in Kashmir. Now, Mushtaq Peer the then chairman has been arrested in this connection.
From violence to scams, political developments to events Kashmir saw a mix bag of things in year 2013.