Kashmiri truckers beaten in HP for ‘Islam Zindabaad’ written on vehicle

SRINAGAR — A Kashmiri truck driver and conductor were allegedly beaten by unknown people in Damtal area of Himachal Pradesh for having “Islam Zindabaad” written on their vehicle.

Fayaz Ahmad, owner of the vehicle, said that his driver namely Rayees Ahmad and conductor Salman Dar, both residents of Watrad village in Khansahib hamlet of Budgam district were allegedly beaten by unknown persons on Friday evening.

Fayaz said that while they were unloading at the cardboard factory in Hamtal, unknown persons came and started beating them ruthlessly and despite 60 persons present at the factory, “nobody intervened”.

He said that the goons were continuously questioning them about the “Islam Zindabaad” written on their vehicle. “Despite contacting the authorities of the factory, nobody came to their rescue,” Fayaz said.

“What is wrong in writing Islam Zindabaad on vehicle as hundreds of non-local drivers visit Kashmir on daily basis with different things of praise of their religion written on their vehicles but nobody questions them here,” he said.

The victims demanded that the matter must be investigated and also the CCTV footage must be checked to book the culprits.

“If we have committed any mistake, we are ready to face any punishment. But if we are not guilty, then the involved person must be dealt strictly as per the law,” they said.