Judge issues notices on killing of boys by Army in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 28 (UNI) The inquiry officer probing into the killing of four teenaged boys by the Army at Doodhipora, Handwara in Kupwara distrtict of Jammu and Kashmir on February 22 this year has issued a public notice calling upon all those having any knowledge about the incident to appear before him on October 9.

District and Sessions Judge Syed Tariq Ahmed Naqshbandi, who had been appointed by the state government as the inquiry officer into the incident, through the public notice has asked all individuals, group of people, central and state functionaries, Commanding Officer of 33 Rashtriya Rifles, and the kin of the deceased, having any knowledge, directly or indirectly, of facts and circumstances about the matter to furnish detailed information on affidavits and produce supporting material at the High Court complex here on October 9.

''All are requested to appear before the inquiry officer, either in person or through their advocates, on the notified date and venue and also during the proceedings,'' the notice read.

Mr Naqshbandi said if at any stage of the inquiry it was found necessary to inquire the conduct of anybody, the person would be called to explain the position and afforded reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.

''Whosoever fails to furnish the affidavit regarding the incident, or evidence in defence, as the case may be, within the stipulated time, will forfeit the right to participate or address, and it would be presumed that the person has nothing to say in the matter. If found necessary or relevant, any person, including any functionary, would be called to give evidence, or produce any record,'' he said.

On September 22, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered an inquiry into the killing of four teenaged boys by troops at Doodhipora and appointed Mr Naqashbandi as the inquiry officer to probe the causes and circumstances that led to the firing by troops who mistook the four boys as militants and killed them. The incident had sparked off massive protests and violence in the valley.

The Army later admitted and regretted the incident and also offered compensation to the families of the victims.

Mr Naqshbandi had recently concluded a probe into the Wullar Lake boat capsize on May 20 in which 22 students drowned and held four Navy personnel posted at Wullar Lake Marine Commandos (MARCOS) unit and the Principal of the Burning Candle School, Handwara responsible for the accident and recommended Rs four lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased.

The state government has asked Mr Naqshbandi to submit his report within two months.

Besides identifying the people, if any, whose negligence caused the incident, the inquiry officer would fix responsibility for use of excessive force which resulted in the death of four boys.

Mr Naqshbandi was also been asked to recommend the necessary action against those found negligent or guilty and suggest measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents.

The inquiry would be conducted in public, the notice said.

UNI AG MS GC1425