SHRC SEEKS criminal proceedings against Army personnel in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 20 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the authorities concerned to initiate criminal proceedings against Army personnel for killing a civilian in south Kashmir.

It also recommended monetary relief of Rs three lakh to the victims family comprising his ailing aged parents, wife and three children, including two daughters.

The commission gave the direction on a petition filed by former Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Mohammad Akbar who alleged that Rashtriya Rifles (RR) killed his grandson Majid Khan on March 10 last year at Aripal, Tral, in south Kashmir.

He said later RR claimed that Majid was killed in a cross firing between the troops and militants.

Directing the state government to initiate criminal proceeding against the accused personnel, the SHRC said the evidence and probe into the incident proved that Majid was not killed in a cross firing as claimed by the troops. He was killed in a fake encounter, it said.

The Commission had directed the police to file a fresh report after making thorough investigation and questioning witnesses as the police in its earlier report maintained that Khan was killed in exchange of fire between the security forces and militants. It said the commission after being satisfied with the evidence and other circumstances provided by the petitioner came to the conclusion that majid'skilling was planned and deliberate.

The deceased had not paid money to renegades working with personnel of 50 RR in the surrounding villages, it said.

The Commission had also initiated an independent inquiry to ascertain the circumstances that led to Majid's death and the Tehsildar of Tral was appointed as an inquiry officer.

During the enquiry, it was ascertained that the troops of 50 RR had launched a cordon-and-search operation at Aripal and killed two civilians, including Majid.

The commission said this type of innocent killing of a young man pricks the human conscience leading to deplorable condition of his family members.

The Commission recommended the state to initiate action against the accused personnel according to the law of land.

UNI BAS QAB ARB VC1705