Srinagar, January 7, KNT: The family of a youth killed in the Chattergam firing incident in central Kashmir’s Budgam district has demanded the arrest of the Army personnel involved and sought that the accused soldiers be tried in a civil court.
Two youths were killed and two others injured when soldiers of the 53 Rashtriya Rifles allegedly opened fire on a Maruti car in the Chattergam area of Budgam district on November 3. The deceased were identified as Burhan Yousuf Bhat alias Faisal and Mehrajuddin Dar, both residents of Nowgam in Srinagar.
The families of the slain youths said a murder case should be pursued against the personnel involved in the firing and insisted that the matter be handled through the civil justice system.
Muhammad Yousuf, father of one of the slain youths, said that a case under FIR number 231/2014 has already been registered at Police Station Chadoora under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.
“We appeal the police to take cognizance of the case and initiate action against the killers. We have no faith in the Army inquiry and want the guilty to be tried in a civil court,” he said.
The Army had earlier stated that nine personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer of the 53 Rashtriya Rifles, were indicted in connection with the incident in which the two youths lost their lives.
However, the family members described the claim of action against soldiers as insufficient and said that a formal legal process in a civilian court was necessary.
Muhammad Yousuf also rejected reports suggesting that the family of one of the injured youths had expressed gratitude to the Army after treatment at an Army hospital.
“I don’t know about other families, but as far as my family is concerned, I will never thank the Army for anything and I will never accept their monetary help or job,” he said.
“For me, they are the killers of my son and I will leave no stone unturned in getting them punished,” he added.
The grieving father said that press statements alone could not bring justice to families who had lost their loved ones.
“Who knows whether the Army actually indicted the guilty soldiers or not. A press statement cannot heal our wounds. Even the civil administration often does not know the punishment given to soldiers in such cases in the past,” he said.
He appealed to the Director General of Police and the Inspector General of Police to ensure action against the personnel responsible for the firing.
The Chattergam incident has triggered widespread concern, with locals questioning the circumstances under which the Army opened fire on the civilian vehicle. [KNT]
