Murder Case Registered in North Kashmir’s Markundal Killing; Minister Blames Army Source
Bandipora, July 3, KNT: Higher Education Minister Muhammad Akbar Lone on Wednesday alleged that an Army informer was responsible for the killing of Irfan Ahmed Ganie at Markundal in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, and said the Army was equally accountable for the incident.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at SP College here, Lone claimed that Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh, described as an Army source, fired at Irfan during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. “We hold the Army responsible because it did not inform the local police and laid a cordon on the behest of their source,” Lone said.
The Minister alleged that the informer had prior disputes with the neighbours of the deceased and used the Army for personal motives. “When people started shouting ‘chor, chor’, he pumped bullets into Irfan and killed him instantly,” Lone said, adding that norms were violated as local police were not informed before laying the siege at Markundal, Sumbal.
He said a murder case under Section 302 has been registered and the person allegedly working as an Army source has been arrested. Vehicles reportedly used in the incident have also been seized.
Lone stated that the matter was serious and that police had approached the General Officer Commanding of 15 Corps in this regard. He assured that a free and fair investigation would be conducted and that the culprits would be brought to justice. “We are ready to entrust the case to any agency if people want,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the local police, Lone said their track record in handling such cases was strong and they possessed adequate experience to carry out the investigation.
Responding to a question, the Minister said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has repeatedly urged New Delhi to address the Kashmir issue politically. “Development and economic packages cannot heal the wounds of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir is a political issue and needs to be addressed,” he said, adding that the government was considering providing employment to a member of the victim’s family. [KNT]
