J&K again: Teen killed in firing, 2 policemen held

ALSO READ: Eyewitnesses claim firing was unprovoked

“Preliminary investigation reveals that Constable Javaid Ahmad fired with his service rifle on the directions of ASI Manzoor Ahmad, in violation of the standard operating procedure. Both the ASI and the constable have been arrrested and further investigation is underway. The Magam police station SHO, Inspector Khurhseed ur Rehman, has also been attached for lack of supervision,” said J&K Police spokesman, SP Manoj Kumar Pandita.

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A case under various sections of the RPC, including 302 (murder), has been registered at the Magam police station.

According to reports, the group of protesters were staging a demonstration in Narbal area when police opened fire, killing Sofi and injuring two others. Dr Ajaz Ahmad, Medical Superintendent, Jhelum Valley Medical College, said Sofi had succumbed to injuries before he was brought to the hospital. “The youth had received bullet injuries in the back which hit his kidneys and other vital organs,” he said.

Sofi’s death sparked more protests in the neighbouring villages, during which two other youths sustained pellet injuries. Doctors said one of the injured is critical.

The police said they received reports of stone pelting on vehicles plying on the Narbal-Gulmarg road. “Police and paramilitary forces were deployed to control the situation. The forces came under heavy stone pelting. To control the situation, they fired a few rounds, resulting in injuries to a local youth of Magam. Unfortunately, the injured later succumbed to his injuries in hospital,” said Pandita.

“A case (FIR No 34/2015) under Sections 302, 147, 149, 341, 427 RPC has been registered at the Magam police station and further action will follow,” he said.

CRPF spokesperson Ashish Kumar said a probe has been ordered. “Our troops are always deployed with the local police… we will know once the investigation is over,’’ he said.

The state government has also ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. “The inquiry will be headed by the additional deputy commissioner and will be completed within 15 days,” said Budgam Deputy Commissioner Mir Altaf.

“This incident could have been avoided… unfortunately the security forces opened fire, leaving one boy dead,” said PDP spokesman Waheed Para. “We will ensure strict punishment for those involved.’’

“We condemn this killing. The PDP and BJP are creating such a situation and issuing conflicting statements… we are again heading towards the summer agitation,’’ said NC provincial president and legislator Devender Rana.

“The government has failed to secure the lives of people in the Valley and it has to take the responsibility for the death,’’ said Congress legislator Ghulam Nabi Monga.