Massive protests in Kashmir over teacher's killing by Army

Srinagar, Oct 19 (UNI) The killing of a teacher, allegedly by the Army following an argument, today triggered massive protests in the border district of Kupwara in north Kashmir.

Sources said teacher Abdul Rashid Mir was on way to his school at Malsari village in Rawatpora, Kralpora area of Kupwara district this afternoon when the Army stopped him in nearby forests.

They said Mir and the soldiers posted in the Malsari forests got engaged in some argument. Amid heated exchange of words, the troops allegedly opened fire on him.

Mir was killed on the spot, the sources said. When the news of the killing of teacher spread, the villagers rushed to the forest area and took possession of the body, they added.

About 10,000-15,000 angry villagers gathered at Mir's residence at Rawatpora and have reportedly refused to bury the body till action was taken against the errant soldiers, the sources said.

The mourners were protesting on roads till reports last came in.

Giving details of the incident, a defence spokesman here said Mir was passing through Malsari forest area near Chowkibal when the soldiers stopped him and sought his identification.

On being asked his identity card, he claimed that Mir entered into an argument with the soldiers. ''As the heated exchange intensified, Mir tried to snatch a service weapon from a soldier.

Seeing this, another soldier fired a warning shot which hit Mir, resulting in his death on the spot,'' the spokesman added.

''The Army regrets the killing. A court of inquiry has been ordered into the incident,'' he said.

UNI