Restrictions in Srinagar as hundreds pay respects to slain al-Qaeda-linked militant

Schools and colleges were closed, trains suspended and curfew-like restrictions were placed in Srinagar on Saturday in the wake of the death of militant Mugees Mir, whose funeral drew hundreds of mourners.

Mir, according to the police, was a member of the al-Qaeda affiliated group Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind which is led by Zakir Musa. He was killed on Friday in a gunfight that also claimed the life of a policeman.

On Saturday, a large turnout marked Mir’s funeral in Parimpora on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Locals of the area said Mir’s family kept the body at the home for the night and from early morning, mourners started to pour in. The funeral gathering remained peaceful, without any reports of clashes.

Large gatherings at the funeral of militants is not unusual in Kashmir. In some instances, fugitives turn up masked at these ceremonies to give a gun salute to their slain colleagues.

The police sub-inspector who died was Imran Ahmad. The gunfight between Mir and forces took place in the Zakura locality of Srinagar on Friday.

An injured Mir had escaped from the encounter site before succumbing to his wounds.

Authorities said complete restrictions were imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations in Srinagar – Parimpora, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Nowahtta, Rainawari and Safakadal police – fearing a law and order problem following Mir’s killing.

Schools and colleges were closed across Srinagar, while class-work remained suspended in Kashmir University. Scheduled board exams, however, were held after officials made it clear that admit cards would be considered as curfew passes.