By OWAIS FAROOQI
Bandipora, Jul 17: Grief has descended over Ajas village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, following the death of a young scholar. Zubair Ahmad Rather, 35, a PhD scholar, was critically injured near Zinpora village on Monday evening and was initially rushed to Community Health Centre (CHC) Sumbal. From there, he was referred to SKIMS, Srinagar where he remained in critical condition until he succumbed on Wednesday morning.
Responding to claims that Zubair was hit by an Army vehicle, the Army said that the slain scholar was attempting to overtake an army vehicle on a narrow stretch of road, when his motorbike skidded and collided with the vehicle.
Army has said that they assisted in every possible way, including helping evacuate him to hospital. “It is a sad incident and what we have said is based on facts,” Army Commanding Officer of 13-RR, who oversees various units and sits in Manasbal told Greater Kashmir. “We do not want to comment on it any further,” he added suggesting it was painful.
However, some local residents have questioned the official account, claiming Zubair was not riding his bike at the time. Instead, they allege he had stopped to relieve himself by the roadside when the incident took place. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Station House Officer (SHO) of police station Hajin said they have filed an FIR No 65/225 in the case, however did not confirm the sections included in the report. Meanwhile, people in the area have demanded compensation and other financial help to Zubair’s family and also urged police for independent investigation to make facts clear.
This story was originally published in greaterkashmir.com.
