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Shopian: SPO, two civilians hold the key


Date:- 12 Oct 2020


A special police officer and two other civilians hold the key to the Shopian encounter in July in which three youths were gunned down by the Army, prompting authorities to launch a probe against two of its men, sources said.

They said the role of the three civilians, including a person who had allegedly led the Army to the youths in Amshipura in Shopian, needs to be thoroughly examined by the police.

The statements of the two accused Army personnel had been recorded during the court of inquiry (CoI) and would be examined during the summary of evidence.

The CoI, which completed its probe last month, had found “prima facie” evidence that the troops had “exceeded” powers under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) during the July 18 encounter in which the three men were killed. Following this, the Army had initiated disciplinary proceedings.

The three killed in Amshipura were Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrar, hailing from Rajouri district. Their identities were subsequently confirmed through a DNA test. The bodies were handed over to their families in Baramulla earlier this week.

The role and antecedents of these three youths are also being investigated due to lack of clarity on their intent and actions upon coming to Shopian.

On October 8, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the families of the three Rajouri youths and expressed condolences. He also assured the families that the UT Government will extend full support to them and ensure that justice is done in the case.

He also conveyed the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the government stood with the aggrieved families, and they would be taken care of with all support from the government.

Officials had earlier said some civilian witnesses would be called for examination. They include those who act as “informers” for the Army and may have possibly waylaid the troops in the wrong direction.

According to the rules, the case details will be examined under various provisions of the law during the summary of evidence against the erring Army personnel. Further action will be taken based on the evidence collected and the rule of the law. The Army has been maintaining high standards of transparency and punishing officials whenever rules are violated, the officials said. — PTI

Courtesy : Daily Tribune:  11th October, 2020