‘Human Cover’ in Khrew: Kashmiris’ Solution to Violent Protests

The volunteers want to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the rally.

First-of-its-kind human cover in Khrew, J&K. (Photo: The Quint)

In 2010, Khrew — a town about 20 km from Srinagar — lost two locals, including a 22-year-old girl, when police opened fire at a protest rally. The protest turned violent as the angry mob marched to the local police station and set it on fire. Four more protesters died in an explosion in an ammunition store.

To deter any such violence, volunteers in Khrew in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have decided to provide a ‘human cover’ at that particular road. Besides the police station, there’s an army battle school situated on this very road.

This step, from the locals, is the first of its kind in the 28-day-long unrest to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the rally.

Witnesses said that at least 10 to 12 volunteers – or razakars – have been placed at two different places: near the police station and outside the house of a local politician.

We are doing a peaceful mega rally here. We have blocked the road that goes to the police station and the army battle school. We are closely monitoring the rallies and won’t allow any miscreants to create any trouble here.

Abdul Rehman Shiekh, local villager

“We are standing here so that no person throws stones on this house. This will help in a peaceful rally,” said local volunteer Fayaz Ahmed Lone.

“We want a peaceful pro-freedom rally here. We want to ensure that nobody attacks or throw stones on police stations and on the local politician’s house,” said a group of volunteers.

We have no problem with peaceful protests. People have every right in a democracy to hold peaceful rallies and demonstrations. They should not vandalise or cause destruction to any public or private property.

Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, spokesperson, PDP

(With inputs from The Hindu.)