Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured in a militant attack in Kupwara district, over 100 km north of Srinagar. Preliminary reports suggest a group of militants came close to a BSF installation and opened fire. An operation is on in the area.
The CRPF has suspended a jawan for firing at an ambulance driver in Srinagar’s Safa Kadal area on Thursday.
The Army on Friday said the raid on a village in Kashmir, in which a college lecturer was beaten to death, was not “sanctioned” and described such incidents “intolerable.”
CRPF jawan suspended
Meanwhile, the CRPF suspended personnel for opening fire on an ambulance driver.
“The killing of a college lecturer was unjustified and intolerable. A legal action has been initiated. Such raids are not sanctioned. The Army will not allow such actions,” said Lieutenant General D. S. Hooda, chief of the Northern Army Command. He also met Governor N.N Vohra to discuss Kashmir situation.
A 30-year-old college lecturer, Shabir Ahmad Mangno, a resident of Pampore’s Khrew area, died due to alleged beating in custody by the Army personnel when they rounded up around 28 youths from the village following pro-freedom protests. The villagers also alleged the Army inflicted “extensive” damage to public property.
However, the Army has ruled out its any role in maintaining law and order problem. “Law and order is largely dealt by the CRPF and the police. However, if assistance is required, the Army is ready,” said Lt. General Hooda.
He admitted the counter-insurgency operations, particularly in south Kashmir, had been impacted by the current turmoil. “It’s a matter of concern. We will go after the terrorists,” he added.
Disturbed by ongoing situation, the Army commander said all sections of the society must help in restoring normalcy in the State. “We need to sit down to find a solution,” he added.
Talk to Pak: Farooq
Meanwhile, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said that India should shun “ego” and start a fruitful dialogue with Pakistan over Kashmir.
“The government of India must accept the offer of talks over Kashmir from Pakistan. Stakeholders from Kashmir should also be allowed to participate in the dialogue as without them solution to Kashmir problem is not possible,” Dr. Abdullah was quoted by local news agencies in Srinagar.
Mr. Abdullah, who is in London, alleged that the BJP wanted to revoke Article 370 “to change the Muslim demography of Jammu and Kashmir”. India should keep it in mind that it can’t suppress the dissent through brute force,” he said.
