Gogoi’s victim Farooq says “justice done”

 “Justice has been finally done,” remarked Farooq Ahmed Dar, an artisan used as a “human shield” by Major NitinLeetulGogoi, on hearing the officer was indicted by an army Court of Inquiry.

“I am thankful to the Almighty. The person who ruined my life has to face the wrath of God finally. God has his ways to do justice,” Dar told PTI over phone from his home.

   

The 28-year-old embroidery artisan, who is struggling to pick up the threads of his life after the traumatic incident, said the army should have treated his case also on compassionate grounds and listened to his version of the incident that sparked an outrage.

“I am not even sure whether I will be able to restart my life again but I am happy that God has given me justice at the end of the day. The person who is responsible for my destruction has also been eventually shamed,” said Dar.

Dar recalled his repeated pleas to Gogoi to release him but he refused to pay heed.

“The army major was arrogant with power and considered himself as my creator. However, little did he know that ‘uskilathimeinawaaznahihai,’ ” he said.

On April 9 last year, a team led by Gogoi tied Dar to the bonnet of an army jeep to, he had reasoned, “escape heavy stone pelting in Budgam district”, the image going on to make global headlines.

It was election day for the Srinagar LokSabha constituency and Dar said he was on his way to cast his vote despite boycott call by separatist organisations. Eight people were killed in police firing on the day.

Investigations by central agencies and local police backed Dar’s account of events of the day, raising questions on the army’s claim that he was a stone-pelter.

Investigations found Dar was on his way to his sister’s place for a condolence visit after voting when the army picked him up and beat him mercilessly before tying him with ropes and parading him through nearly 28 villages.

“I have not been able to understand my mistake. Was it going to the polling booth and casting my ballot wrong?” he said.

He said he continued to face a social boycott as people in his village Chill, in Budgam district, had distanced themselves after they learnt he had participated in the election process.

Mohammad AshanUntoo, the head of the International Forum for Justice and Human Rights group in the Valley who has filed a case against the army before the Chief Judicial magistrate, said, “I have faith in the Almighty as well as the judiciary.”

“One day we will get justice in our case too,” Untoo said. PTI

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