Bhaderwah: Relatives and friends of a police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), who was among four policemen killed in an IED blast at Sopore, expressed resentment over government’s decision of sending his body via Srinagar-Jammu highway and not airlifting it to native town here.
Shahnawaz Ahmad Bhat, cousin of the slain ASI Irshad Ahmed, questioned the government’s decision to send the body in a hearse-ambulance, terming it “disrespect to the martyr”.
“The Government has choppers for the marriages, parties and official functions of the politicians and they only spared a hearse-ambulance for ferrying mortal remains of the Irshad Ahmad,” Shahnawaz said.
“Is this country only for politicians? There is no respect for ‘men in uniform’,” he added
Irshad’s friend Rafiq Ahmad Najar said the government has played joke with the family and has no respect for the sentiments of victim family.
The last rites of the cop will be performed tomorrow at a local graveyard at Chinote areaof the Bhaderwah, Shahnawaz said.
Earlier, a pall of gloom descended Bhaderwah when news of Irshad’s death reached the area. The family members of the martyr were inconsolable.
Women from Bhaderwah and its adjoining villages reached cop’s house and tried to console his wife and children. His neighbours recalled that Irshad always had a smile on his face and would help people who approached him.
