Mehbooba may order probe in civilian killings

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has apparently ordered a probe into the unwarranted killings during the ongoing unrest, especially the ones that have been described as “cold blooded murders” by the leaders of her People’s Democratic Party.

The probe will be into seven of the total 92 casualties to determine the alleged role of the Army and the security forces.

In a deviation from her earlier stand that the police have been maintaining restraint despite grave provocations, CM Mufti has ordered a probe in the killing of 12-year-old Junaid Ahmad Akhoon, who died of pellet gunshots at his home. She also expressed her displeasure over the use of force on his funeral procession, a picture of which had gone viral on social media.

CM Mufti had earlier referred to the attack on a police post at Dhamhal Hanjipora in South Kashmir, asserting her point that most casualties were the result of provocation by the mobs.

But she changed her stand after PDP leaders received contrary reports from South Kashmir, indicating police culpability.

According to a senior PDP leader, for example, the Dhamhal Hanjipora attack took place after the police killed a girl and did not allow the people to take her to the nearby hospital.

It was only when she died on the spot that the mob turned violent.

According to sources in the police, the Home Department has started inquiring into the killing of Junaid Ahmad of Saidpora Eidgah, and Shabir Ahmad Mir of Tengpora Batamaloo, who argued inside the house with the police officer and was subsequently killed.

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His case is also pending in the state high court.

The Army is probing the killing of Professor Shabir Ahmad Mangoo of Khrew Pulwama, who was allegedly tortured to death by Armymen who raided the entire locality.

His brother also sustained injuries allegedly at the hands of the Army along with many other villagers including women.

The police is also probing the killing of ATM guard Riyaz Ahmad Shah when he was returning home from his duty.

After the Khrew attack, Army General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen D.S. Hooda had assured a probe, saying there was no sanction for such incidents.

The Army and the state authorities are also probing the killing of Showkat Ahmad Itoo, Nabiza and Saida Banoo of Churat Qazigund, who were allegedly killed by Army soldiers. The government is yet to make public how many killings they will probe in the current unrest.