Long night of pain passed in Nadihal Baramulla Saturday morning after mourners lowered the latest summer casualty amid tears and slogans. After shouldering his son’s coffin, the father led the funeral prayers.
What appeared as a brief lull in the civilian killings by men in uniform during the ongoing anti-India uprising in valley ended late Friday afternoon when Waseem Nazir was shot dead by army. The gunners on way to Baramulla from Kupwara were Rashtriya Rifles (RR) men of a Road Opening Party travelling in two gypsies and a wanton vehicle.
After bullet hit his left shoulder piercing through his heart, Waseem was rushed to Baramulla hospital where doctors declared him “brought dead”.
The death of Waseem evoked emotional outburst in the hospital premises as people rose up in intense pro-freedom sloganeering. His body was driven to his native village as hundreds of people reached Nadihal but they waited till morning for the final rites.
Waseem studying in Class 12 was helping his father in family business. He was registered as ‘private’ student.
“Waseem and some other youths were busy harvesting in a paddy field when the ROP stopped on Baramulla-Kupwara highway and opened live ammunition,” an eye witnesses said. “While people ducked for cover in the fields, Waseem busy working was hit by a bullet.”
Those who had reached Baramulla hospital and saw Waseem being rushed inside said that the slain youth and his attendants were soiled with mud. “This makes it amply clear as they were working in paddy fields and not involved in stone pelting,” a local said.
Waseem was second child of his parents. His father occasionally leads prayers in their local Masjid. He is an orchardist.
Lone’s elder daughter was recently married while his two other sons, Rameez and Uzair study in 9th and 8th classes respectively.
“Before marriage of his sister,” said Waseem’s relative, “Waseem was given charge of his family, which unfortunately proved short-lived.”
Thousands of people who had come from almost all parts of Baramulla and Kupwara district bid a tearful adieu to Waseem where it was announced that on coming Friday a pro-freedom rally will be held in the area