Killing of children unfortunate, General Dhillon

Srinagar, Mar 22 (UNI) Assuring all possible help to the bereaved families of three children killed by troops at Bangergund in north Kashmir, the commander of the 15 corps Lt. General S S Dhillon described the incident as ''unfortunate''.

Our troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir valley are taking all possible measures to avoid damage to the civilians, ''General Dhillon said during his visit to the village where a number of developmental projects had been taken up by the army.

He said there are standing instructions to all the field commanders to avoid any civilian casuality during the operations against the militants.

''No one want to kill any civilian,'' he said adding the security forces deployed across the valley are just for their (civilian) security from militants, he said.

He also assured jobs to the bereaved families.

General Dhillon said that about Rs 8 lakh have been spent on Bangergund for its development by the army and Rs 15 lakh were spent to establish a community centre, solar lights and school in Bangergund.

UNI BAS YA SP1357