The family of an army man killed in a militant attack in Jammu has urged the India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir issue once for all and “bring end to bloodshed.”
The body of slain army man Naik Manzoor Ahmad Deva was flown to his native village Kewa area of Qazigund in Anantnag district today afternoon.
“Yes my brother achieved martyrdom for his nation, but he was also there to earn bread and butter. I had spoken to him on phone a day before and never had imagined that it would turn to be our last conversation,” his elder brother, Nazir Ahmad Deva, told media persons.
He termed resolution of Kashmir issue as the only way out to end “bloodshed.”
“Enough is enough now. Kashmiris are dying on both sides. So let India and Pakistan resolve this issue once for all,” Deva said.
His views were seconded by his neighbour and Manzoor’s friend Shahnawaz Ahmad.
“Leaving aside the politics what I know is that Manzoor was very gentle with a human heart. The politicians should now stop playing politics on the bodies and instead resolve the issue once for all,” Shahnawaz said urging India and Pakistan to initiate dialogue at an earliest.
Earlier, villagers came out in large numbers and participated in the funeral prayers of slain army man after which he was laid to rest.
“He was our neighbour and participating in his funeral is our religious obligation,” said a group of villagers.
Slain Manzoor has left behind a mentally challenged mother, wife and two little daughters aged six and three. His father had died in his childhood only after which his two elder brothers shouldered the responsibility of the family.
“Though we have a small time business but after he was recruited in army he was the main source of income to the family,” said his brother.
Meanwhile, army’s 9 Rashtriya rifles under the aegis of 2 sector organized wreath laying ceremony and pad tributes to slain army man at Kewa,Qazigund.
Commanding officer (CO) 9 RR, deputy commissioner Anantnag, SP Kulgam, SDM Dooru, SDPO Qazigund, and SHO Qazigund attended the ceremony and paid tributes to him.
“21-gun salute was given to brave martyr as a mark of respect and gratitude, “a handout issued by army read.