At least two of the three civilians killed, allegedly during questioning by security forces in connection with the ambush of Army personnel by militantshad been associated with security forces in the past. The third was a shepherd who married last year.
These are the profiles of the three men, based on details provided by their families and residents of Topa Pir:
Shabir Ahmed, 30
A village shopkeeper-cum-shepherd, Shabir lost his mother Kail Bi five months ago after she had a brain haemorrhage. His father Wali Mohammad, who until the death of his wife worked with the GREF for 15 years on the Mughal Road between Dehra-Ki-Gali and Lassana and Jaranwali, said Shabir too worked as a porter for Rashtriya Rifles companies in the area for some time until he left for Saudi Arabia 12 years ago. His younger brother Kabir Hussain still works for an RR company but has not gone to work in view of the mourning at home.
Shabir returned home from Saudi Arabia six years ago and married Rakia Begum. They have a son Ibrar who is now 5. Rakia is pregnant and the second child is expected in a few months.
Shabir opened a confectionery shop in the Topa Pir mohalla which has nearly 30 households. As the income from the shop was not enough to make ends meet, he also reared some livestock.
Safeer Ahmed, 45
A small-time contractor who took up works being executed by the local panchayat under MGNREGA, Safeer was also a social activist, helping villagers with their work. From time to time, he also used to work for security agencies operating in the area, said his elder brother Noor Ahmed, a Head Constable in the Border Security Force.
On Sunday, Mohammad Alam, among those who came to meet the family in mourning, recalled how Safeer helped him get funds for the construction of a pond on his land.
Another village resident Wazir Hussain recalled that when Safeer learnt that there was no bathroom in his house, he helped him secure funds for the construction of a bathroom.
Safeer leaves behind wife Zareena and four children – Hilal Ahmed, 15; Iqrar Ahmed, 12; Kubra, 10; and Hamza, 2.
Mohammad Showkat, 22
A village shepherd, he married Fatima Begum last year. She is pregnant, expecting their child in the next couple of months.
The youngest of the three sons of Nazir Hussain and Zainab Bi, he looked after his parents because his elder brothers, Jaffar Iqbal and Razak, work as porters at shops in Kashmir.
Villagers remember a young man with a smile, always ready to help others. They want those responsible for the death of the three men and injuries to five others tried for murder and attempted murder so that justice is done.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First published on: 24-12-2023 at 21:01 IST
