Army orders inquiry into the killing of two persons in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 12 (UNI) The defence authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have ordered an inquiry into the killing of two persons, including a woman, by troops due to mistaken identity in north Kashmir early today.

The army regrets the unfortunate incident, a defence ministry spokesman said, adding a probe has been ordered.

He said necessary compensation to the families of the deceased will be provided by the army.

He said the army personnel had been deployed in the forest area of Chaillpatti, Drugmulla, Handwara, after they received a tip-off about the presence of militants in that area.

At about 0330 hrs, the ambush noticed two people and were challenged as per army procedures. However, they tried to flee the site following which the army opened fire.

On searching the area at first light, bodies of a man and a woman were recovered with an axe, which the troops had mistaken for a weapon.

The spokesman said section 144 of the CrPC was in force in the area according to which movement of civillians at night is restricted.

UNI BAS SHB HT1600