Army orders probe into killing of youth in Kupwara

New Delhi, Feb 6 (PTI) The Army today said it isordering a probe "on its own" into the killing of a youthallegedly by its personnel during a February 4 ambush in NorthKashmir''s Kupwara district following which a murder case wasregistered against the unit.

"The Army is ordering an enquiry on its own, becausealthough we are quite sure as to what has happened,nevertheless to clarify any doubts that may come up, we aredoing our own enquiry," Army Chief General VK Singh said.

According to official sources, Manzoor Ahmad Magray,22, was allegedly shot dead by the troopers of 4 Para of theArmy who had laid an ambush in Chogal area of Handwara townin Kupwara district.

Regretting the loss of life in the operation, Defencespokesman Lt Col J S Brar said in a statement yesterday thatbased on specific intelligence about movement of militants,Army troops had laid an ambush to trap them.

At around 2230 hours, the troops detected suspiciousmovement of two persons.

"As per the Standing Operative Procedures, the troopschallenged the individuals to surrender. Both the individualspaid no heed and attempted to run away under the cover ofdarkness. The troops opened fire resulting in fatal injuriesto Manzoor Ahmad Magray while the other unidentified personescaped," Brar said.

Although the troops strictly adhered to theprocedures, the Army regrets the loss of life, more so, as theyear has been declared by the Army as the year of the''Kashmiri Awam'', he said.

"We deeply and sincerely express our heartfeltcondolences to the bereaved family," he said.

J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has condemned thekilling.

The incident led to protests in Chogal as theresidents demanded arrest of the Army personnel involved inthe killing. A case under section 302 Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)was registered against the 4 Para unit of the Army, sourcessaid.