Govt not to spare any forceman involved in innocent killing: Azad

Jammu, Jan 29 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today made it clear that his government would not spare any security person if found involved in killings of innocent people who have nothing to do with militancy.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly, Mr Azad said Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and he himself had made it clear that killing of innocent would be dealt with zero tolerance.

The Chief Minister said his government was aware of the difficulties and challenges the security forces were facing in fighting militancy, restoring peace and protecting human lives and property in the terror-torn state.

''We also acknowledge the topographical and climatic vagaries coming in the way of smooth functioning of security forces adding that government is also aware of difficulties forces are facing on high altitudes and difficult terrain while managing borders and providing protection.'' ''I want to assure my security forces that the state, government, people and legislature are behind them like a rock in their prestigious task of providing protection to the country and its people and fighting militancy bravely.

''However, if any security person found guilty of killing any innocent for personal reasons, like promotion, rewards or appeasement to the bosses, would not be spared in any case as no body is above the law,'' he added.

Chief minister's statement in the house was the outcome of the issues raised by legislature with regard to missing of certain persons and action taken against some police officers.

Elaborating various aspects, Mr Azad said the government had taken action against police functionaries to facilitate free and fair investigations and give a clear-cut message to the law enforcing agencies that government means what it states.

UNI