Lateef Ahmed Wani and his killers

Lateef was only 34 years old. I didn't know him personally but he is the latest victim of the senselessness that now prevails as a result of the Amarnath Yatra controversy as well as the rising discontent against Indian rule in the Vale of Kashmir.

Lateef and other truck drivers were attacked by a mob of fanatics in Lakhanpur (Jammu) on August 5. The truckers were carrying goods from Kashmir and they were attacked as part of what is described as an "economic blockade" imposed on Kashmiris by intolerant elements in Jammu. Lateef leaves behind a devastated family including his wife Hameeda, and three small children--Shazia, Saima and Aqib. Lateef had committed no mistake. He was just doing his job. He was basically lynched, fell into a coma, and then died. Can you imagine the heart-rending scenes at his home when his lifeless body was brought home? Can you imagine the broken lives left behind? Can you imagine what Hameeda must be thinking? What about Shazia, Saima, and Aqib? Do you think they understand? Who should they turn to? For what? What comfort can anyone provide?

What about the killers? What are they thinking? Are they sipping tea, talking about how they got rid of one of "those Kashmiris"? Are they happy? Did they achieve what they wanted? Is that the goal, to kill and terrorize those who must work in order to feed their families? Is their thirst quenched or do they want more? What do they want?

Apparently, the policemen who were escorting the truckers but fled when they saw the killers arrive with knives, trishuls (trident), and other choice weapons. Are they sleeping better now that Lateef has been put to sleep for ever? Is anyone concerned that law enforcement officers left innocents to die? Is there going to be an investigation? Will they tell us what happened? Will anyone be held to account?

The Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti and the state government and institutions such as the army keep insisting that there is no economic blockade of Kashmir. However, the fact of the matter is that there have been calls for disruptions of traffic to and from Kashmir. Even if such interruptions are intermittent, they leave a perception of a blockade. Lateef's killing by fanactics makes perception a reality. I challenge the government and its institutions to enforce the rule of law, bring Lateef's killers to justice, and truly work to ensure normal flow of goods and people to and from Kashmir. Otherwise, it is best not to suggest things are fine and expose more innocent lives to the brutes of Lakhanpur and elsewhere.