Doodhipora boys' killing case hearing on Feb 10

Srinagar, Jan 5 (UNI) The inquiry officer probing the killing of four teenaged boys by the Army at Doodhipora in Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir on February 22 last year has listed the case for a hearing on February 10.

District and Sessions Judge Syed Tariq Ahmed Naqshbandi heard the complainants who were present in person.

However, the personnel of 33 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), allegedly involved in the killing, did not present themselves before the court even this time. They had refused appearance on the last date of hearing on December 3 last year as well.

The inquiry officer had earlier asked the complainants to produce evidence in support of their statement of facts. The complainants pleaded before Mr Naqshbandi that their statements should not be recorded as their counsel was out of station.

The Chief prosecuting Officer submitted that he had no objections if the proceedings were adjourned to accommodate the complainants.

On September 22, the state 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 33 RR personnel who mistook the four boys, playing cricket, 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.

The Jammu and Kashmir government gave a two-month extension to the Commission after its term had expired on November 22 last year.

UNI