Thousands of people including females from adjoining areas of South Kashmir’s Padagampora village participated in the funeral procession of LeT Divisional Commander Irshad Ahmed Ganie at Padgampora Awantipora Pulwama on Sunday. He was killed in a brief encounter which took place on Saturday afternoon in a nearby village of Kakapora.
Protestors, who were thousands in numbers, raised pro freedom and anti-India slogans during the procession.
A new young breed of local educated youth have been taking up arms since last few years, which many believe is a more organised one and consists of most dedicated fighters. The revival of militancy in such a manner, though not on a fast pace, is worrisome for the security grid of the state.
Separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani addressed thousands of mourners who participated in Irshad’s funeral prayers, over phone.

A youth kisses the forehead of slain militant during the funeral procession in Pulwama. Photo: Muneeb ul Islam
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Women can be seen raising slogans besides the body of slain militant, Irshad Ahmed Ganie. Photo: Muneeb ul Islam
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People raise Anti-India and Pro-Freedom slogans as the body of Irshad Ahmed was being displayed to public for the last time. Photo: Muneeb ul Islam