Shopian, Pulwama residents protest against civilian killing in Anantnag

Pulwama, May 30 : A peaceful protest was staged by a group of residents here in South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday against the killing of a civilian, Deepu, who was shot dead yesterday evening at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag district.
Braving rain many local residents assembled here at main town Shopian and staged a peaceful protest to denounce the targeted killing of Deepu, a circus performer, from Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The protesters were carrying banners inscribed with messages reading “stop innocent killing in Kashmir and we condemn killing of innocent civilians.”
The protestors also raised slogans against the targeted killing .
A protester said that in the past couple of years many innocent civilians were killed in different districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Anybody who gets killed is a human whether a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. Killing an innocent person is like killing the whole human race,” he said, adding that they denounce the killing of Deepu from Udhampur district in Anantnag in strong words.
He said that Deepu was working in Anantnag only to derive livelihood for his family.
He added that they should collectively stand together and defeat the forces who want to create division among the people.
A candlelight protest was also organized in Pulwama today evening to denounce the killing.
The protest was held by youth activists, members of the Traders Federation, and representatives from civil society. The protest condemned the killing of Deepu.
“ Deepu became a victim of senseless violence,” the protesters said, demanding perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The protest was led by Mudasir Dar, a prominent social activist from Pulwama.
Mudasir Dar expressed his deep sorrow and condemned the tragic incident. He stated, “Today, we stand here united, voices echoing our collective outrage against this brutal act. Deepu’s life was snatched away from us, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. We condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms and demand swift action from the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The protesters gathered at Main Market Pulwama and marched through the streets, holding candles and placards with powerful messages denouncing violence and advocating for peace.
Fayaz Wani, President CCIK Pulwama ,urged people to channel their grief and anger into constructive action. He said: “Let Deepu’s memory ignite a flame of change within us. It is time for us to come together, regardless of our differences, and work towards eradicating the roots of violence. We must build a community that upholds peace, justice, and unity.”