Separate inquiries ordered into youth's killing in Baramulla

Separate inquiries by the district administration as well as the army have been ordered into the killing of a youth in Baramulla district as protests continued unabated against the incident in the frontier district of Kupwara for the second successive day today.

Deputy commissioner Kupwara Showkat Ahmad Mir ordered a magisterial inquiry into the killing of 24-year-old Sajad Ahmad Lone. "I have asked my additional deputy commissioner to conduct the inquiry and submit a report within a month," Mir said, adding ex-gratia would be given to the family of the deceased soon.

Police said Sajad was not a militant and a case has been registered against the army on an application by his family. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Baramulla Qayoom Manhas, however, said, "We cannot register a murder case until the FIR lodged by army and the family is investigated."

Sajad was killed by the army when he allegedly stormed into their camp at Watergam, 65 kms from here in Baramulla district, yesterday, a defence spokesman said. However, villagers claimed Sajad was arrested by the troopers of 32 Rashtriya Rifles early when he was returning after offering morning prayers at a local mosque in Kralgund.

"The troopers took him to their battalion headquarters in Watergam area of Baramulla, tortured him there and killed him" they alleged. The Army has also ordered an inquiry into the killing but denied arrest, torture and killing of Sajad in custody.

"Sajad was mentally challenged and tried to snatch the weapon of a soldier and attacked him with an axe. He was killed in a scuffle. We did not kill him with any intention," an army spokesman said, adding "our trooper too was injured in the firing and he has been shifted to a hospital". He said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Meanwhile, massive protests continued in Kralgund village of Kupwara against Sajad's killing. The protestors led by MLA from Langate Sheikh Abdul Rashid demanded the arrest of the army jawan involved in the killing.

People from Ganapora, Panditpora, Yaro, Kralgund, Supernaghma, Audhipora, Hampora and adjoining areas joined the demonstration.

Ghulam Mohiuddin lone, father of Sajad said, "We were informed that bullet-riddled body of Sajad was lying in a police station Dangiwachi. My son was student of 12th class and is not even remotely connected with militancy."