Protests after 65-year-old killed by troops in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 17 (UNI) Massive protests erupted at Tarigam village in Dooru Shahabad area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir after a 65-year-old man was allegedly killed by troops during a search and cordon operation early today.

The villagers alleged that 65-year-old Sonaullah Magray had come out of his house to offer Fajr (morning) prayers when he was shot dead by 59 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) troops who had laid an ambush in the area on the intervening night of December 16-17.

On hearing about the incident, the villagers gathered at the spot and protested against the killing.

The angry protestors alleged that Magray was killed in ''cold blood'' and refused to bury his body till the officials of the Army, the civil administration and the police reach the village and take action against the guilty personnel.

Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag G A Peer immediately rushed to the spot and assured the agitated protestors that strict action would be taken against the errant Army personnel.

He said adequate ex-gratia relief would be given to the relatives of the deceased who was a village numberdar (head).

On the Deputy Commissioner's assurances, the villagers agreed to give burial to Magray.

Police said the 65-year-old man was gunned down early this morning when he came in an ambush laid by troops of 59 RR in the village.

Giving details about the incident, an Army spokesperson said troops conducted a search and cordon operation in Tarigam village during the intervening night of December 16-17.

''At about 0630 hrs, an ambush party noticed a man approaching them. Despite being challenged several times by troops, he did not stop but instead bent down leading the personnel to believe that he was taking out a weapon. The troops initially fired in the air but when he did not react, they shot him in the leg. He was then shot dead,'' the spokesperson added.

He said investigations have been launched into the incident.

Earlier a week ago on December ten, widespread protests had broken out in Qazigund area of Anantnag district when a soldier allegedly opened fire on a youth following an argument over the checking of his identity card.

A case had been registered against the Army in the Qazigund police station and the service weapon of the soldier seized.

The Army is conducting investigations into the incident and has assured that necessary disciplinary action would be taken against the personnel, if found guilty.

UNI AG RR GC1406