TIA NEWS
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today expressed deep sorrow over the killing of two youths at Handwara and said that those involved in the incident would be handed exemplary punishment.
Mehbooba said she has already taken up the matter with the Army.
The Chief Minister talked to the GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda, who informed her that the Army has already ordered an inquiry into the incident and tangible action will be taken once the probe is completed, said an official spokesman.
Regarding the demand of the locals for shifting of the bunker from the area, the Army Commander assured the Chief Minister that the demand would be looked into.
The Chief Minister said such tragic incidents have a huge negative impact on the efforts of the State Government and the political leadership aimed at consolidating the peace efforts in the State.
Mehbooba Mufti said the security forces must exercise maximum restraint and adhere to the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) while dealing with the public protests as incidents of innocent killings cannot be tolerated.
The Chief Minister has expressed solidarity with the families of the two youth.
Meanwhile Army today said that the Handwara firing incident in which two youths were killed would be investigated. “Army deeply regrets the unfortunate loss of life. Matter will be investigated and anybody found guilty will be dealt as per the law,” said a spokesman.
Two youths – Nayeem Ahmad and Muhammad Iqbal – died after army opened fire on locals demonstrating against the alleged molestation bid by the army in Handwara.
Hurriyat call for strike against Handwara killings
Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik and Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have called for a shutdown Wednesday against the killing of two youths in army firing in Handwara.
The separatist leaders have called for a state-wide shutdown against the killings.
