There were massive protests in Handwara, north Kashmir, after the army gunned down a 24-year old ‘mentally retarded’ man at its Watargram camp.
Just three days before prime minister Manmohan Singh’s visit, there were massive protests in Handwara, north Kashmir, after the army gunned down a 24-year old ‘mentally retarded’ man at its Watargram camp.
A soldier opened fire at Sajjad Ahmad of Ganapora-Langate after he ignored a warning to stop at a security check post. The army claimed that the soldier was injured in the fracas.
“On Saturday morning, the sentry at Watargram saw a man loitering around the place. On questioning the man, he charged at him with an axe and hit him on the head and right shoulder, causing serious injuries. The attacker was, reportedly, mentally retarded,” said Lt Col JS Brar, ministry of defence spokesperson in Srinagar.
Lt Col Brar said the man later tried to jump the gate and charge at other sentries too. “He was shot dead inside the camp. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident and an FIR has been lodged,” he said.
Soon after news of the youth’s death reached the area, people took to the streets in large numbers to protest the killing. They wanted an inquiry and demanded that the guilty soldiers be arrested. Initially, as a mark of protest, they did not bury the body.
On Sunday morning, authorities assured the people that there will be a proper enquiry into the incident. In fact, the government has already ordered a magisterial enquiry.
Later, the body was buried amid the chanting of pro-freedom and anti-government slogans. Hundreds of people joined the funeral.
“People were demanding ex-gratia relief, which was granted by the deputy commissioner this morning. The situation is now peaceful and under control,” Rafiq Vakil, SP Handwara, said.
Langate MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid said the people have accepted the ex-gratia to prove that the youth was innocent. “I have registered a case with the local police station against the army. He was an innocent youth, not a suicide bomber. We are not satisfied with the action taken by the administration. We were hoping they arrest the soldiers responsible for the cold-blooded murder,” he said.
The killing has rocked the Valley at a time when the government is trying to build trust and confidence ahead of the prime minister’s visit on October 28.
The incident has also vitiated the atmosphere for dialogue that the Centre is trying to create with the separatists.
It has also given fresh ammunition to separatists who are waiting for a chance to hit out at the government.
“On the one hand, the government swears by democracy and on the other they do not allow us to offer condolence. Instead of stopping the killings, the government has given license to forces to kill,” JKLF chairman Yasin Malik said.
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