Guilty will not be spared: J

Srinagar, Oct 6 (UNI) A senior Jammu and Kashmir minister has asserted that whosoever found involved in the killing of two innocent civilians in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on the intervening night of October 3-4 -- be it the Army, the para- military forces or any individual -- will not be spared.

State Haj and Auqaf Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed visited Ahlilan Balla, Gadole in Kokernag area yesterday and handed over two cheques of Rs 1 lakh each as ex-gratia relief to Hashim Ali Naikoo whose son and daughter were mistakenly killed by the Army on the intervening night of October 3-4. He also promised to provide a job to one of his sons.

Later addressing a gathering there, he strongly condemned the killing of 25-year-old Misra and her 18-year-old brother Mohammad Ashraf during an ambush at Gadole village. Naikoo's another son Abdul Karim and his wife Lateefa were wounded in the firing.

Mr Sayeed, who is also the state Congress President, assured the people that whosoever found involved in the heinous act -- be it the Army, the para-military forces or any individual -- would not spared and booked under the law.

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

Mr Sayeed said orders have already been issued for 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 raised the issue with the Army authorities who assured to conduct a separate inquiry into the incident and fix the responsibility and court martial of the errant personnel.

UNI AG LS KP1320