SRINAGAR:
North Kashmir's frontier district
Kupwara was on the boil on Sunday following the killing of a cab driver. While locals accused the
Army of killing the civilian, the Army spokesman said the cab driver, identified as
Asif Iqbal Bhat, was killed in a crossfire between militants and soldiers.
However, Bhat's angry family members alleged that the forces had fired at them as well, when they went looking for him. "We got a call that
Asif (Bhat) was killed. My father and I rushed to see him, when the forces fired upon us," said Bhat's brother.
Army spokesman, Col Rajesh Kalia, said, "Around 10.55pm, the military observed suspicious movement of three persons which prompted the security forces to open fire, leading to a gunfight. In the crossfire, a taxi driver, Asif Iqbal Bhat, was killed.'
But, protesters took to the streets on Sunday, shouting slogans and demanding strict action against the guilty. As residents clashed with security forces, teargas shells were used to disperse demonstrators and mobile internet services remained suspended in the district as a precautionary measure.
Kupwara SSP Shamsher Hussain said an inquiry committee was formed to probe Bhat's death, which will submit its report within 21 days.
"Residents claimed that soldiers fired at the driver. The committee will thoroughly investigate the matter and anybody found guilty will be punished, as nobody is above law," Hussain said.
Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir, said, "ACR Kupwara was appointed as the head of the inquiry committee to investigate the matter and submit a report within three weeks."
He added that a case has been registered and anyone found guilty shall face the law. "We have already ordered a magisterial probe and will investigate the case thoroughly so that if anyone is found guilty, action as per the law will be taken against that person," Jahangir said.
PTI graphic.
