NHRC takes suo-motu cognizance, on killing of three civilians by Army in Kupwara, J&K.
New Delhi 31 August, 2006
NHRC has taken suo-motu cognizance of a newspaper report which said three civilians were mistakenly killed by Army personnel in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. The report published in the Hindu dated 13th August 2006 said that on the previous day three people were killed in separate incidents in the district. According to the report Ghulam Mohiuddin Tantray and Rubina had left their home to fetch firewood from nearby jungle. As the group of about 13 villagers were moving towards the jungle, the 33 Rashtriya Rifles led by Captain S.Srivastava opened fire. The two died on the spot. As the news of the shooting spread in the town, hundreds of people took to the street and the kupwara Highway was blocked for hours. According to the report, army called it a case of mistaken identity. As the troops had laid an abush in the forest area following information about the movement of militants. When they noticed movement of two people with something that looked like a weapon, they challenged them but the duo started running away and the troop opened fire resulting in their death. The report further said that the Defence spokesman Col. Hemant Juneja conveyed Army's regret over the killing and said adequate compensation will be given to the family of the deceased. The report also mentions that in another incident a civilian was killed by a stray bullet in Bugam village of the same district. A case was registered after protest demonstration.
The Commission after observing the report, said, that if the contents of the report are true, they raise a serious matter of violation of human rights of the citizens. The Commission has directed that a copy of the newspaper report be sent to the Defence Secretary, Government of India for his comments within two weeks.
*****
NHRC has taken suo-motu cognizance of a newspaper report which said three civilians were mistakenly killed by Army personnel in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. The report published in the Hindu dated 13th August 2006 said that on the previous day three people were killed in separate incidents in the district. According to the report Ghulam Mohiuddin Tantray and Rubina had left their home to fetch firewood from nearby jungle. As the group of about 13 villagers were moving towards the jungle, the 33 Rashtriya Rifles led by Captain S.Srivastava opened fire. The two died on the spot. As the news of the shooting spread in the town, hundreds of people took to the street and the kupwara Highway was blocked for hours. According to the report, army called it a case of mistaken identity. As the troops had laid an abush in the forest area following information about the movement of militants. When they noticed movement of two people with something that looked like a weapon, they challenged them but the duo started running away and the troop opened fire resulting in their death. The report further said that the Defence spokesman Col. Hemant Juneja conveyed Army's regret over the killing and said adequate compensation will be given to the family of the deceased. The report also mentions that in another incident a civilian was killed by a stray bullet in Bugam village of the same district. A case was registered after protest demonstration.
The Commission after observing the report, said, that if the contents of the report are true, they raise a serious matter of violation of human rights of the citizens. The Commission has directed that a copy of the newspaper report be sent to the Defence Secretary, Government of India for his comments within two weeks.
*****