Mufti assures ‘thorough probe’

The incident took place Monday, when Khalid, a postgraduate economics student, died in a “crossfire” between the Army and militants in Tral’s Kamla forests.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Wednesday assured that the death of a 25-year-old youth during an “encounter” in south Kashmir’s Tral would be “thoroughly” looked into as he cited the Budgam firing incident for which the Army had to admit its fault. This time, however, the Army is not inclined to offer any “apology” for Khalid Muzaffar’s death, sources said.

The Army has already communicated to the state government and the Centre that the slain youth was an “overground” Hizbul Mujahideen worker. The incident took place Monday, when Khalid, a postgraduate economics student, died in a “crossfire” between the Army and militants in Tral’s Kamla forests.

In view of a separatist-backed shutdown in Tral and adjoining areas on Wednesday to protest Khalid’s death, Sayeed said: “This is an unfortunate incident and would be looked in thoroughly.” The CM, who was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar, also said a similar incident had happened in Budgam in November and then the PM had intervened after which the Army admitted that two innocents were killed.

“Inquiries do take place everyday. In this case we will find out the actual facts,” Mufti said, adding, the Army should have dealt “cautiously”.

However, senior officials in the Northern Command said there was “no question” of the Army apologising this time given that it “did not initiate the fire and one of its jawans was injured in the crossfire”. “Apology cannot be made a practice… The details of the operation were communicated to the state as well as the central government immediately after the operation. It is inappropriate to compare the April 13 operation with Budgam firing incident,” said an official.

Another official said: “The Army patrol was attacked first. What’s more, we have recovered weapons, even one stolen from J&K Police. This time, the Army’s case is stronger and we will stand by our version.”

According to the Army, “Khalid, who has been operating as an overground worker, had taken three youths, who were later arrested by the police, to meet Burhan (Khalid’s younger brother and a Hizbul Mujahideen militant) for their recruitment in terrorist tanzeem. The incident has thus prevented the three youth from being misguided by late Khalid Muzaffar into joining the militant ranks.”

Khalid’s father Muzaffar Ahmad Wani, on Tuesday had alleged it was a case of “custodial death” and that his son was tortured. “If my son was killed in an encounter why his body didn’t bear a bullet wound?,” said Khalid’s father. Former CM and NC leader Omar Abdullah also demanded an impartial probe.

Source:: Indian Express