Two funerals in South Kashmir today – of a terrorist and a policeman he killed – encapsulate the Kashmir story. Azhar Mehmood – the policeman who showed exemplary courage and sacrificed his life to repulse a terror attack – was mourned by his family and colleagues. Barely 10 km away, thousands participated in the funeral of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Fayaz Ahmad Aishwar.
Azhar Mehmood and three civilians were killed in the attack carried out by Fayaz and three other terrorists in Anantnag on Saturday. The policemen came under attack while they were regulating traffic after a road accident. Sources say the terrorists first tried to snatch away the guns from the policemen. Mr Mehmood, who had grabbed a terrorist by the throat, died when the other terrorists opened fire.
“He was working with police for the last eight years. He is survived by two children, one is just eight month old and his wife,” said Mr Mehmood’s relative Gulzar Ahmad Sheikh. So far government has not announced any compensation for the family.