Parents of Top LeT Commander Abid Ramzan Sheikh Hoist Tricolour at Shopian Home on Independence Day
The parents of top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Abid Ramzan Sheikh were seen hoisting and waving the Tricolour at their home in Shopian as Jammu and Kashmir joined the country in celebrating its 80th Independence Day.
The development attracted attention because Sheikh is believed to be operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and is on the security forces’ most-wanted list in Kashmir.
Security agencies have accused him of involvement in several terror-related incidents in the Valley. He has also been linked to alleged targeted attacks on non-local labourers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Against this backdrop, the sight of his parents participating in the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at their family home drew attention.
Similar Independence Day Event in 2021
The incident also recalls an Independence Day event in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021, when Muzaffar Wani, father of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, hoisted the Tricolour.
Muzaffar Wani, who was a teacher and later principal of a government school, unfurled the National Flag at the school and stood for the National Anthem alongside other teachers.
Burhan Wani was one of the most prominent militant figures in the Kashmir Valley, particularly among young people. He was killed in an encounter with security forces along with two other militants in 2016.
His death triggered widespread protests and violence across the Valley.
Independence Day Celebrations Held Across J&K
Meanwhile, Independence Day celebrations were held peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his Independence Day address, reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring statehood and other constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir, which were revoked in August 2019.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.
Sinha called upon citizens to work together to build an inclusive society that places public interest at its centre and shows compassion towards underprivileged sections.
The celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir featured flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic programmes and messages highlighting peace, development, democratic values and public welfare.
