A day after the Jammu and Kashmir government decided to give “ex-gratia” relief to the family of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani for the death of his elder brother Khalid Wani, the Wanis have agreed to consider the offer.
“Nobody has approached us as yet. We will think about the offer and decide on whether to accept it or not only when we get a formal offer (from the government),” Burhan’s father, Muzaffar Wani told InUth.
“We have enough money. So, money is not the issue… but I can’t say no right now as I’ll have to discuss it with my family,” Wani, a government employee, added.
As per the compensation plan, the family has been offered to take Rs four lakh cash or job for one of the family members.
25-year-old Khalid Wani, who was pursuing Masters degree in political science from IGNOU, was killed in April 2015. The Army claims that he was an “Over Ground Worker” of the Hizbul who was killed during an encounter. But refuting the Army’s version, the family has claimed that he was “killed for being Burhan’s brother.”
On December 12, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama in south Kashmir issued public notification for 106 victims of death, injury and damage to property in militancy related incidents. Burhan’s brother figures in the list.
There has been a massive protest in Kashmir since July 8 when Burhan and his two colleagues were killed in an encounter. While the unrest has paralysed normal life in Kashmir for over five months, Burhan’s father was seen in Bengalaru in August with renowned spiritual guru and Art of Living Foundation head Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Sri Sri had tweeted his picture with Muzafar Wani.
