The Chapris, Father and Son – (II) KASHMIR”S UNSUNG HEROES Category: Today in History permalink An active Muslim Conference worker like his father, Muhammad Iqbal Chapri was adventurous and loved trekking and hiking. As Indian troops landed in Kashmir after the creation of Pakistan, he and other members of his party were disheartened, but continued their struggle against heavy odds. When the Quaid-e-Azam passed away, they did not want the day to go unnoticed in Srinagar. Muhammad Yusuf Khan who then lived in Kani Kadal (and later shifted to Balgarden) contacted Iqbal through a messenger and asked him to head for the Mirwaiz Manzil. On arriving there himself, Khan found the diwan khana (state room, which was also used by activists to hold meetings) deserted. He told Iqbal, who got there shortly afterwards, to hire a tonga (horse-drawn carriage) and announce the passing away of the Quaid, and that his ghaibana namaz-e-jenaza (funeral prayers in absentia) would be held at the Jamia Masjid. As some more activists turned up, another tonga was hired, draped in black, and taken round another part of the city, with Khan and his friend on board. It made for Nawa Kadal first, and then took the turn towards Zaina Kadal, while Iqbal had been told to start from Gagribal (close to what is now central Srinagar) and come down to the Jamia Masjid. The news of the Quaid’s passing away sent a wave of grief and shock through the city. Khan saw distraught women come into the streets, tearing their hair and beating their foreheads. But soon the police swung into action. Iqbal was beaten up ruthlessly and taken into custody along with the hundreds of people following his tonga. They were herded into the Zaina Kadal police station, where Khan had already been brought. Somehow, the latter persuaded thethaney daar to allow him to see Iqbal. When a policeman brought him in, Khan broke down at his friend’s condition. But Iqbal merely smiled. “They beat me to pulp,” he said. “But I felt no pain.” Though Khan was set free later that day, Iqbal and others were sent to jail. (Muhammad Iqbal Chapri passed away on February 27, 1995) -concluded
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 03:33:22 +0000
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