Tasavur Mushtaq

Srinagar

The man who was seen tied to an army vehicle in central Kashmir’s district Budgam has been identified as Farooq Ahmad Dar.

(A video grab of a Farooq Ahmad Dar talking about the incident)

A resident of Chill Arizal village of Beerwah, Farooq was tied with ropes and was used as a “human shield”.

He while talking to few reporters at his home said “I had lost hope of my life except had faith in Allah for survival.”

Showing his mud clad pheran which had been torn apart and a bandaged forearm, Farooq said he was out at around 9:30 am on polling day to attend a condolence meeting in another village where his relative had died. “On way I was picked up and tied to a vehicle,” he said.

I had lost hope of my life except had faith in Allah for survival

Farooq says “it was a nightmare” that how he was threatened not to speak or call anybody. “They were not allowing me to speak to anybody and in fact threatened that we will shoot you if you speak,” he said. “Although i knew the people around, but could not seek help” he added.

Hailing from a village where no stone pelting had been reported, Farooq says he has never participated in stone pelting. “In future too I will not participate in stone pelting.”

When asked about the injuries, he said “I cannot walk properly. The apparent skin is intact, but it seems I have internal injuries.”

The video of Farooq tied on bonnet of army vehicle has gone viral on social media. Later the army unit involved in the act has been identified as 53 Rashtriya Rifles.

In the background of the video, there is a voice warning people “Phathar bazuun ka aisa haal hoga.” (whosoever will pelt stones will meet the same fate)

(A video grab of a Kashmiri youth tied in front of an army vehicle.)

Former chief minister and NC working president Omar Abdullah tweeted both the photo graph and video showing Farooq tied by army. Omar is also lawmaker from the Beerwah constituency.

While expressing shock over the incident, Omar wrote, “Here’s the video as well. A warning can be heard saying stone pelters will meet this fate. This requires an urgent inquiry & follow up NOW!!”

Later the army unit involved in the act has been identified as 53 Rashtriya Rifles.

In another tweet, Omar wrote, “This young man was TIED to the front of an army jeep to make sure no stones were thrown at the jeep? This is just so shocking!!!! #Kashmir.

In his third tweet, Omar said, “I understand the outrage the CRPF video generated. I’m also outraged that the video of the youth on the jeep won’t generate the same anger. Let’s see channels going ballistic & having discussions with outraged panelists now. Probably not since “Kashmir is ours” hell with Kashmiris.”

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed concern over the videos and have sought detailed report from police.

Terming the display of acts in the videos as unacceptable, Mehbooba according to government spokesman has asked the police to submit a detailed report about these incidents to her so that necessary action is initiated.

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