Fake encounter probe panel's first public sitting on June 4

Srinagar, Apr 27 (UNI) The Makhan Lal Kaul commission of inquiry, probing the alleged custodial killings and fake encounters, including that of carpenter Abdul Rehman Padder, in Jammu and Kashmir will hold its first public sitting here on June 4.

According to a notification, the commission would hold its first public sitting here on June 4 at 1100 hrs to consider the terms of reference, draft regulation of its procedure and tentative programme in the presence of parties interested.

It said the statement or complaints regarding the matters should be filed within a period of one month from the date of the notice at the office of the commission.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had on April 2 appointed a commission of inquiry comprising Justice Makhan Lal Kaul, a retired judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court through a notification SRO No 123 to look into the allegations.

The commission was asked to Inquire and find out the causes, circumstances and conspiracy, if any, which led to the death of some people such as Padder, a resident of Larnoo in Kokernag area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir, in the recent alleged custodial killings and fake encounters.

It was also asked to fix responsibilities of the persons involved for such killings, if any, and make suggestions and recommendations for preventing recurrence of such incidents.

The inquiry should be in regard to complaints or allegations that may be made before the commission by any individual or association along with the affidavits.

The commission should also find out about the instances of misuse of authority of power as may be brought to its notice by the state government for inquiry.

The commission has sought within one month complete particulars of complaints and allegations levelled by an individual, a group of people, associations or organisations giving specific instances of misuse of authority of power committed, abetted or directed by public servants as in the case of Padder or any such recent killing.

UNI