Conduct inquiry into HR violation by Army, J

Srinagar, Aug 1 (UNI) Directing a magistrate to conduct an inquiry into Human Rights violations by the Army in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has asked Jammu range police chief to collect factual report about the allegation and submit IT before this commission.

A petition was filed before SHRC member Habibullah Bhat by the residents of Wadwan in Kishtwar district of Jammu region, alleging troops of 7 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) were torturing innocent villagers, ransacking their houses and detaining them without any reason.

They said that troops removed all clothes of Moulvi Ishtaq, imam (priest) of a local mosque, and made him stand for hours undressed.

The villagers alleged that he was later subjected to inhuman treatment by the troops at the directions of senior officers.

Mr Bhat said the petitioners have expressed disturbing instances of torture by troops in Inshan Wadwan camp.

The petitioners were given personal hearing and many instances of torture were explained, Mr Bhat said adding but he do not place the instances on record for the sake of Judicial expediency to avoid any misgivings.

The petitioners have requested this commission to appoint a senior officer for holding an inquiry and sought protection from the troops.

After going through the petition and hearing the petitioners, including the Imam, the commission directed Naib Tehsildar of Wadwan to hold an inquiry into the allegation levelled by the villagers against the troops.

Keeping in view the importance of the matter, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kishtwar was directed to contact the officials of 7 RR Inshan camp and urge them to perform within the norms of statutory duty and not cause any harassment, torture, intimidation to the inhabitants of Wardwan particularly to the Imam of the mosque who is teaching the children in a dargah.

Mr Bhat also directed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu range to collect the factual report and submit the same before this commission on or before September 25.

UNI