Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the firing by Border Security Force personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district.
Expressing regret over the “unfortunate incident,” Mr. Shinde said: “I have ordered an inquiry… to ascertain the circumstances leading to the firing. I promise that any use of excessive force or irresponsible action shall be dealt with strictly.”
The Home Ministry has asked the State government step up vigil and asked the forces to show restraint while handling any protest. Senior officials of the Ministry are in touch with State government officials as they fear that tension might spread and increase after Friday prayers.
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Meanwhile, the BSF has rushed its Special Director-General Dilip Trivedi to Ramban to inquire into the incident and talk to BSF commanders and police officials.
In a statement here, the BSF said: “Police and BSF men had to fire in self-defence. Despite vigorous stone-pelting and manhandling by civilians, BSF [personnel] refrained from firing and kept cool even when a jawan was injured in the process... It is learnt that efforts were made by a section of protesters to attack the post and inflict injuries on BSF and police personnel, compelling them to open fire in self-defence.”