Srinagar, Aug 17: In a goodwill gesture, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday pardoned suspended Head Constable Abdul Ahad Jan who had flung a shoe towards him during I-Day function, an official spokesman said.
The chief minister also asked police to withdraw cases against Jan. Releasing him on extremely compassionate grounds, Omar called Jan to his residence and gave him a patient hearing after which he directed the police authorities to release him immediately.
Omar said “the Holy month of Ramadan teaches us to be compassionate and to forgive everyone. My steps are in conformity with the teachings of Islam which does not teach hatred but only love and brotherhood.”
Ahad Jan when he walked out of the Chief Minister’s private office at his residence was overwhelmed with the Chief Minister’s gesture and was in tears and thanked the Chief Minister. Jan was taken into custody immediately after he hurled a shoe towards the Chief Minister while he was taking the salute from marching contingents after unfurling the national tricolour during the official Independence Day function here on August 15.
The shoe flung by Jan missed the target but an unfazed Omar referred to the incident in his speech and said “It is the best way to protest. It is better to raise slogans and hurl shoes but avoid stone pelting.”
As many as 15 policemen were suspended pending inquiry after the incident.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST