"He (Manohar Parrikar) has assured me that a probe will be initiated," Mehbooba Mufti said after meeting the Union Defence Minsiter. (File photo)
Highlights
- 'Defence Minister assured me the culprits will be punished', said J&K CM
- Four people died when Army opened fire to disperse protesters in Handwara
- Protests erupted after reports of a girl allegedly molested by a soldier
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today raised the issue of Handwara firing in which two civilians were killed with Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who assured her that a probe will be initiated.
Ms Mufti, who is on her maiden visit to the national capital after assuming the post of chief minister, met Mr Parrikar and Union Urban Development Minister Venakiah Naidu. Describing the incident as "very unfortunate", the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said "I spoke to Defence Minister. He assured me that a probe will be initiated and the culprits will be punished."
"At the same time the family will be compensated. Such incidents should not happen in the future," she said after meeting Mr Parrikar.
Two men, including an aspiring cricketer, were killed in Handwara when Army opened fire to disperse a stone-pelting mob targetting their bunker.
The incident took place after reports surfaced that some army personnel had allegedly molested a girl returning from school. However, police investigations have so far indicated that no such incident had taken place, sources said.
Army has ordered an inquiry while the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered a criminal case and begun investigations into the incident which triggered more protests in Handwara and had an echo in Srinagar and Pulwama districts of Kashmir as well.
Ms Mufti had yesterday said the security personnel involved in the killing of two men will be handed exemplary punishment, saying such incidents "cannot" be tolerated.
She had said such tragic incidents have a huge negative impact on the efforts of the government and the political leadership aimed at consolidating the peace efforts.
Ms Mufti also raised the issue of handing over of civilian land from army to the state government. Later, she met the Urban Development Minister to discuss various development projects being undertaken by the state and central government.
Ms Mufti had met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday.