Candle light march in memory of soldier Wagay

Candle march being taken out in Anantnag. —Excelsior/Sajad Dar
Candle march being taken out in Anantnag. —Excelsior/Sajad Dar

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 4: Locals in various districts of Kashmir held candle marches today, expressing anger over the killing of ex-army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in south Kashmir’s Kulgam.
The protesters, carrying placards and candles, demanded an immediate end to the cycle of violence that has claimed innocent lives.
Candlelight vigils were held in multiple parts of Kashmir, where people from different walks of life gathered to express their anguish over the killing.
Mourners, including family members of the deceased, civil society members, and political activists, urged authorities to take decisive action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Speaking at a vigil in Kulgam, a protester said, “We have seen enough bloodshed. Every life is precious, and violence cannot be a solution. The Government must ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their past affiliations.”
Candlelight marches were also held in Pulwama and Shopian to pay tribute to the ex-army man and express solidarity with his family.
“What happened yesterday is tragic, and we do not want it to happen again. After 2020, there has been peace in Kashmir,” said an elderly man.
He added that Islam does not permit killing at any cost. “We urge authorities to uncover those responsible and deliver justice to Manzoor Ahmad Wagay’s family.”
In Handwara, residents and civil society members organized a peaceful candle march at Main Chowk to protest against the killing of the ex-serviceman and the injury of his family members in the attack.
Speaking to the media, protesters strongly condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable.
They demanded strict action against those responsible and urged higher authorities to take decisive steps to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The demonstrators emphasized the need for justice for the victims and reiterated their appeal for peace and security in the region. A similar march was held in the Rafiabad area of Sopore, where participants gathered to honor the ex-army man, pay their respects, and express solidarity with his family.