Army refuses to participate in inquiry into killing of boys

Srinagar, Dec 12 (UNI) The Army has refused to participate in the inquiry into a firing incident at Doodhipora in Handwara area of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on February 22 this year in which four teenaged boys were allegedly killed by soldiers.

Passing the orders, Inquiry Officer Syed Tariq Ahmed Naqshbandi termed as ''unfortunate and sad'' the Army's intention of not participating in the probe.

''Had the Army taken part in the inquiry, it could have put forward its version regarding the incident. But, having chosen not to do so, the Army has lost an invaluable opportunity of putting forward its defence,'' he said.

Mr Naqshbandi, who is also the District and Sessions Judge, said the inquiry would now go ahead with the recording of evidence of the complainants in support of their statement of facts.

The next date of hearing has been fixed on January 4.

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