Jammu and Kashmir is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for the “Kashmiriyat” which lies in the heart of its people. People of Jammu and Kashmir have fought a long battle for peace and security of their state. At times of political and social crisis, they have stood together to overcome such problems. Few brave hearts even sacrificed their lives to maintain peace and harmony. Though terrorists and separatists have tried to create instability in the beautiful valley of peace but Kashmiris have always proven their strength of love and brotherhood against such miscreants.

 

 

Martyr Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ayub Pandit was one such brave police officer who sacrificed his life in line of duty. DSP Ayub Pandit was serving in the security wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police. He served in civilian dress for being the part of security wing of the police. As a daily routine he was on his duty at night shift on 22nd June 2017 in Jama Masjid premises, in Nowhatta, Srinagar. Many devotees were in the mosque for ‘Shab-e-Qadr’ prayers. Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also the chief priest of the mosque, was also present in the mosque leading the prayer.

 

 

 

DSP Ayub Pandit was performing his duty by keeping an eye on the miscreants to maintain law and order during the prayer. While being in the premises he was confronted by few people to reveal his identity. Suddenly the mob gathered around him and he was trapped between them. He was alone facing a mob filled with rage. He tried to explain them but the mob being provoked by the miscreants there started to assault him. As a last choice to control the mob he pulled out his service revolver. He fired in his self defence. Still following the rules and duty, he fired at the mob below the abdomen as permissible by law in such situation.

 

 

 

Outnumbered and alone, he was lynched by the mob. He tried to control the situation and fought till his last breath. But few people who have always wanted to tear apart peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir committed such a heinous act. His body was found lying in the premises in a brutal condition the next day. The police took the body under custody and started the investigation. Twenty accused were arrested and a suspected terrorist who might be involved in the lynching case was later killed by the army.

 

 

DSP Mohammad Ayub Pandit performed his duty faithfully and martyred to protect his people from those villains who are still regularly trying to disrupt the peaceful valley of love and brotherhood. His sacrifice has fortified a strong belief in every citizen of our country that we will live together in peace and root out such atrocities. We will not let them succeed in misleading our youth for violence. We will stand and fight together against such evil and will not hesitate to sacrifice ourselves to protect our citizens.