Kishtwar communal riot: Violent crowd tried to burn me alive, says Sajjad Kichloo

[email protected] (News Network)
August 15, 2013
Srinagar, Aug 15: The National Conference (NC) MLA from Kishtwar, Sajjad Kichloo, who resigned as Minister of State for Home in Omar Abdullah's government on Monday, said that he had a providential escape in the communal collision in his hometown on August 9 as “thousands of rioters” attempted to burn him alive.
Sajad-Ahmad-Kitchloo

“As soon as the Id-ul-Fitr congregational prayers concluded at Chowgan Grounds, we learned about a minor clash between the men of the two communities at Kaleed Chowk. Soon we noticed multitudes of the 25,000-strong gathering running in different directions. We observed that an unruly crowd of over 15,000 men was vandalising properties and setting on fire shops and vehicles”, Mr. Kichloo said on Tuesday. “Within minutes, the town turned into a battlefield”.

“My PSOs escorted me to the nearby Dak Bungalow. Even as we took shelter inside and began making frantic calls to senior Army and police officials, the violent crowds led by some local BJP leaders made sustained efforts to capture me and burn me alive. They scaled the boundary walls and jumped in. They smashed the glazed windows of the Dak bungalow and set on fire the bulletproof police bunker. I asked the police to scare away the mobs with baton charge and tear gas. I asked them to ensure that nobody died in the police firing. I am sad that two people died in the mayhem. But, I am relieved that 200 were saved because of our presence at the spot.” At one point of time, Mr. Kichloo said, he and his PSOs vacated the main bungalow and took shelter in a backyard house on the Deputy Commissioner's insistence. “But we returned quickly and continued our efforts to call out the Army. DC's first call went to Sector Commander of Rashtriya Rifles at 10.40 a.m. in my presence. Brigadier and other commanders were very much cooperative but they called for a written requisition. It went to them by fax at 11-45 a.m. They called back and asked for some corrections. The final draft was faxed at 12.12 p.m”, Mr. Kichloo claimed.

Officials privy to the communications claimed that Mr. Kichloo's first telephonic call to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah matured at 11.45 a.m. “CM sahab assured them every help but asked to ensure that nobody died in the Police or forces' action,” said an official. He claimed that the junior Home Minister and the DC spoke to almost all senior civil and police officials, including Chief Secretary Iqbal Khanday and Director-General of Police Ashok Prasad.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
October 29,2024

Bengaluru: Following allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, Karnataka Chief Minister Sidddaramaiah on Tuesday said none of them will be evicted, and notices issued to them will be withdrawn.

"No farmer will be evicted from their land. Yesterday Revenue Minister (Krishna Byre Gowda), M B Patil (Industries and Vijayapura district in-charge Minister) and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan have jointly said that no farmer from Vijayapura will be evicted from their land," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said in case notices have been issued to farmers, they will be withdrawn.

Responding to a question that similar notices have been issued to farmers in Yadgir and Dharwad districts too, the CM said: "I will ask the Revenue Minister to look into it, nowhere farmers will be evicted."

Seeking to clarify "confusion" over 1,200 acres in Honavada of Tikota taluk being marked as Waqf property, M B Patil had recently said it was due to an “error” in the gazette notification.

He also had said only 11 acres out of the 1,200 acres are Waqf properties, and a task force headed by the Deputy Commissioner will be formed to resolve the issues.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
November 7,2024

3yearoldchild.jpg

Mangaluru, Nov 7: In the quiet village of Tippunagar, Loretto Padavu, a heartbreaking accident claimed the life of three-year-old Aashika on Wednesday, leaving a family and community shattered.

Aashika, the beloved daughter of Unais from Pattanabailu near Farangipet, was simply enjoying a carefree moment, playing outside her grandmother’s house. It was then that an unimaginable tragedy struck: a parked goods tempo, owned by her uncle, unexpectedly rolled backward, trapping the innocent child beneath its wheels.

Despite her family’s desperate rush to get her to the hospital, little Aashika’s injuries proved too severe, and she was declared dead upon arrival. Her passing has cast a deep shadow over the close-knit community, who grieve alongside her family for the life taken too soon.

The Bantwal traffic police have registered a case and are investigating the incident, while the community mourns the loss of a precious young soul who had only just begun to experience life’s wonder.
 

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
November 10,2024

tokkottudeath.jpg

Mangaluru: A tragic accident took place on Saturday at Chembugudde near Thokkottu, claiming the life of a 47-year-old woman after a tanker lorry ran over her. The victim, identified as Rahmat H Rashid, was riding pillion with her husband, Abdul Rashid G, on their scooter. 

The couple was traveling from Yenepoya Hospital to Bajpe when the scooter skidded on the poorly maintained road. Rahmat fell onto the road and was fatally struck by a tanker lorry that was coming from behind. Despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.

The incident prompted a swift response from the DYFI Ullal Taluk Committee, which staged a protest on Saturday night, condemning the unsafe condition of the road. Nithin Kuthar, president of the committee, criticized MLA and Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader for failing to ensure safe infrastructure, despite touting the road as toll-free. 

Kuthar demanded immediate repairs, warning that the committee would march to the MLA’s office with black flags if the road is not fixed within a week.

Former DYFI State President Sunil Kumar Bajal also voiced frustration over the deteriorating condition of Thokkottu market, highlighting the struggles people face while crossing roads riddled with dangerous potholes. In response to public outcry, temporary repairs were made to the road at Chembugudde on Sunday, though locals remain wary and demand a more permanent solution. 

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.