Army gives Rs 2 lakh each to families of Handwara youths

Srinagar, Feb 26 (UNI) The Army has given a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the families of the four youths, allegedly killed by troops at Dodipora in Handwara on February 22, which is in addition to Rs one lakh paid by the Jammu and Kashmir government as ex-gratia relief to the relatives of the victims.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Basharat Ahmed Dhar accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range K Rajendra and General Officer in Commanding (GOC) Kilo Force Lt Gen K N Singh yesterday visited Dodipora to offer condolences to the bereaved families.

The Divisional Commissioner told the families of the victims -- Amir Akbar, Shakir Wani, Ghulam Hassan Bhat and Samad Mir -- that the State administration had already ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

The probe would be completed within one month, he asserted.

The families of the four youths were given an ex-gratia relief of Rs 3 lakh each which includes Rs 2 lakh by the Army and Rs one lakh from the State government.

In addition, the State government also assured employment to one family member of the deceased.

In his brief address, Gen Singh regretted the killings and assured that all steps would be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The IGP said a recruitment drive would be soon conducted in Dodipora and assured the locals that a police post would also be established in the village.

UNI AG SHB RAI1336