Budgam firing: Army takes responsibility, announces compensation

Srinagar, Nov 7: The Army on Friday took the responsibility of Budgam firing and said that they wished the incident had not happened. The Army also assured fair and transparent probe into the matter.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Lt Gen DS Hooda, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, described the incident as a case of ‘mistaken identity' and said that the Army accept full responsibility for this. He further added that the Army was committed to ensuring such incidents don't take place.

Hood said, ""Inquiry into the matter has been ordered and the probe will be completed in 10 days or so."

He also said that the Army would like to assure all support to the families of deceased youth. "Defence Minstry has approved ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs for families of deceased and Rs 5 lakhs for injured" said Hooda.

Two youths - Faisal Yusuf Bhat and Mehrajuddin Dar - were killed, while two others -Shaker Bhat and Zahid Naqash - were injured on Monday evening when soldiers of the 53 Rashtriya Rifles opened fire at the car in which they were travelling in Chattergam village, 20 km from Srinagar.

The Army had said the car driver did not stop at a mobile vehicle check post (MVCP) when he was signalled to do so.

Condemning the attack, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that a fair enquiry will be held into the killings and strict action will be taken against the guilty.

OneIndia News