Omar forgives shoe thrower, orders his release

PTI
Bellevision Media Network

Srinagar, 18 August 2010:  In a goodwill gesture to coincide with the Holy Ramzan month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday pardoned suspended head constable Abdul Ahad Jan who had flung a shoe towards him during Independence Day function in Srinagar and ordered his release. Omar also ordered the police to withdraw the case against Jan.

 

Releasing Jan on extremely compassionate grounds, Omar called him to his residence and gave him a patient hearing after which he directed his office to accompany him to his native village so that he could be with his family members during the fasting month, an official spokesman said.

 

Jan was taken into custody immediately after he hurled a shoe towards the Chief Minister while he was taking the salute from marching contingents after unfurling the national tricolour during the official Independence Day function here on August 15.

 

 

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said "the Holy month of Ramzan teaches us to be compassionate and forgive everyone. My steps are in conformity with teachings of Islam which does not preach hatred but only love and brotherhood." Omar hugged Jan and ordered the police to release him. The suspended cop also profusely thanked the chief minister.

 

Visibly moved by Omar’s gesture, Jan became emotional and tears rolled down his cheeks after his meeting with the Chief Minister. Jan was equally thrilled to know that Omar was making arrangements to fly him out by the state helicopter to his native village in Ajjas in Bandipore.

 

The shoe flung by Jan missed the target but an unfazed Omar referred to the incident in his speech and said "It is the best way to protest. It is better to raise slogans and hurl shoes but avoid stone pelting."

 

As many as 15 policemen were suspended pending inquiry after the incident. Jan, who was suspended in May after a criminal case was registered against him, has been chargesheeted in two cases of extortion and being drunk during duty hours.