Army apologises after 2 civilians die in a case of mistaken identity

New Delhi, Nov 4: In a rather unwelcome incident in

, the

mistook four civilians as terrorists and fired at them when they did not stop their car even after three warnings.

While two people died, the other two were rushed to the local hospital where two of them succumbed to their injuries. Defence minister Arun Jaitley said that the incident was regrettable. The army too has expressed its regret for the same.

Jaitley tweeted on Monday saying,"The Budgam incident in the Kashmir Valley is highly regrettable. A fair enquiry will be held and action taken against those found guilty (sic)."

Police sources say that the firing at the civilian car started only when the car failed to stop at the checkpoint, despite warnings. The evening happened late Monday evening in the Chatergam of the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement later, the Army said it regrets the loss of civilian life and that an inquiry will be lodged and the guilty would be punished.

OneIndia News