Fake encounter probe panel to meet in Kashmir tomorrow

Srinagar, Jun 3 (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, would hold its first public sitting here tomorrow.

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

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 notification SRO No 123 to look into the allegations.

The Commission was asked to probe 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 alleged custodial killings and fake encounters.

It was also asked to fix responsibilities of people involved for such killings, 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 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 other such killing.

UNI