Srinagar: The popular food joint Krishna Dhaba reopened on Tuesday nearly two months after the son of the owner was shot dead by militants.
Ramesh Mehra’s world came crashing down on February 17 when his son, Akash, was shot at by militants from a close range. After fighting for his life for 10 days, Akash died at SMHS Hospital on February 28.
Known for serving vegetarian food popular among locals and tourists, Krishna Dhaba was closed since then.
As Mehra returned to work alone on Tuesday, he was welcomed by other business owners.
Asked if it feels safe to resume business in Kashmir, Mehra said, “We have always felt safe here… Such things happen here with other people too.”
On whether the thought of leaving Kashmir crossed his mind during the two months since the killing of his son, he said, “We were born here and have lived here all our life. Where else will we go?”
Krishna Dhaba is located in Durganag, a high-security area of the city. Several high-profile installations like the office of UN Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan and the residence of the Jammu and Kashmir chief justice are located within 200 metres of the food joint.
Police had arrested three persons in connection with Akash’s killing, which drew widespread condemnation from political parties and civil society.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
