J

Srinagar, Oct 5 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government today paid an exgratia relief of Rs two lakh to Hashim Ali Naikoo whose son and daughter were mistakenly killed by the Army in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on the intervening night of October 3-4.

The state government also promised a job to his son and assured strict action against the guilty.

Education, Science and Technology, Information Technology, Haj and Auqaf Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today visited Ahlilan Balla, Gadole in Kokernag area and handed over two cheques for Rs 1 lakh each as ex-gratia relief to Naikoo and promised to provide a job to his son.

Strongly condemning the killing of of 25-year-old Misra and her 18-year-old brother Mohammad Ashraf, both children of Hashim Ali Naikoo, during an ambush at Gadole village in Kokernag area.

Naikoo's another son Abdul Karim and his wife Lateefa were also wounded in the firing.

Addressing the gathering there, Mr Sayeed, who is also the state Congress President, assured that whosoever found involved in the heinous act -- be it the Army, the para-military forces or any individual -- would be booked under the law.

He said the state government has already given clear directions to the Army and other security forces to deal militants with iron hand, but at the same time the innocent killing or harassment of peace-loving citizens of would not be tolerated at any cost.

Expressing sympathy with the bereaved family, Mr Sayeed said orders have already been issued for an magisterial inquiry into the incident. He asked Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, G A Peer to complete the probe within the stipulated time so that the culprits were punished.

The Minister said he has talked to the Army authorities also and they have assured for a separate inquiry into the incident to fix the responsibility and court martial the errant personnel.

Responding to complaints of the locals about the harassment by the Army unit concerned, Mr Sayeed said, ''I have taken the matter with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and the Army authorities. They have assured me that night patrolling in these areas would be abandoned.'' He asked the people not to open doors during night hours and if any Army official resorted to excesses they should immediately approach the police station or him.

On the occasion, Mr Peer gave detailed report of the incident to the Minister. The Deputy Commissioner said he had talked to General Officer-in-Commanding of XV Corps Lt Gen S S Dhillon regarding the harassment of people by the Army personnel.

Mr Peer said the Corps Commander has assured him that the people of the area would see a change on the ground within next three days.

UNI AG YSS RL BD2048