Srinagar:
A little over two weeks ago, Sheikh Yasir, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front(JKLF) leader Yasin Malik's cousin was fired upon by a policeman when he and his four friends were playing carom outside his home. Yasin Malik's nephew was also injured in the firing.
On Friday, a huge crowd gathered as a father bid a final farewell to his only son, Sheikh Yasir affectionately called Raju , showering almonds and sweets on the body.
The policeman who fired at the boys has been arrested and the police acknowledged that the action was unprovoked but not before the event sparked off widespread outrage and protests.
However, in sharp contrast the Friday's funeral was peaceful marked only by muted quiet mourning. Instead of curses or shrieks, the women of the family came out and sang wedding songs.
Raju was just 30 and as people prepared for his funeral, it appeared that they were bidding farewell to a groom. Just as the family had made it clear that there was to be no violence.
"If you are followers of Prophet Mohammad then just sing for him. Let us send him off like a bridegroom, shower sweets on him, and sing for him," said Sheikh Yasir's father Mohammad Rafiq after the funeral.
This passionate appeal for peace and non-violence came on a day when the valley saw fresh violence. Three more people were killed allegdly in firing by security forces, taking the toll to over 100 in last 3 months.