Srinagar, Sept 3: The people in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district are furious over the reports of revival of the dreaded Ikhwan. Hundreds of people took to streets in Sumbal on Friday as protests continued against former Ikhwan commander, Qasim Ahmad Ahangar alias Qasim Khaar, for reviving Ikhwan.

The people took out a procession from Andarkoot and marched towards Nowgam village and back. They shouted slogans against Ikhwanis and Qasim Khaar.

“Khaar is tarnishing the image of the entire Shia community. We condemn and protest the Government’s attempt to revive the dreaded force against the ongoing people’s agitation,” said a senior citizen while addressing the protest at Andarkoot.

“The ongoing movement is genuine and we pledge our support for it,” he said, as people responded by applauds.

The members said such an attempt was aimed at creating a division among the people of the Valley at this crucial juncture when they are fighting for their rights and justice.

“If Khaar doesn’t shun Ikhwan, we’ll announce a social boycott against him,” they said.

The Bandipora district has witnessed protests since the news broke that Government has approached some former Ikhwan commanders to recruit youth to quell the ongoing agitation.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 4 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST