Out of the 13 residents rounded up after the December 21 attack, three died due to alleged torture, while five each were admitted to separate hospitals. Mohammad Riyaz, the only one who returned to work as a room attendant in a Srinagar hotel, is among the few who resumed their daily lives.
Others, like Mohammad Farooq, underwent surgery for head injuries and are still recovering. Israel, planning to work in Kuwait, suffered injuries to his hand and thigh during the ordeal.
Ashraf, a daily wager, and four others remain unable to work due to their injuries, with recovery expected to take months. The incident occurred when eight men from Topa Pir village and five from Pangai village were detained.
While compensation of Rs 30 lakh (Rs 10 lakh from the Army and Rs 20 lakh from the J&K government) and a residential plot were provided to the families of the deceased, the injured received Rs 2.5 lakh each. The Army Commander visited in February, providing additional financial support.
Efforts are underway to admit the victims’ children to an Army school, with assurances of assistance from authorities. Noor Ahmed, whose brother was among those killed, expressed gratitude for the support received.
