Srinagar:
Locals in the Sumbal area of Bandipore district in north Kashmir were lathi-charged today after they protested the death of two young men in Army firing in the wee hours today. Hundreds of villagers were out on the streets shouting slogans and demanded punishment for the guilty soldiers.
An 18-year-old boy, Irfan Nabi, was killed when the Army opened fire during a search operation for militants in the Markunda village killed late last night.
"At around 2:30 am two vehicles came here. We came out of our home and once we crossed the compound, troops started indiscriminate firing and he was killed," said Nabu's cousin.
After villagers protested against the killing, troops opened fire again in which a 27-year-old man, Irshad Ahmad Dar, was wounded. He succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital. Army sources say they opened fire in self-defence when a mob targeted their ambulance.
Police sources say the Army was misled by a source and troops started a search operation in the village during the night. When people were taken out of their homes, there was some confusion and a jawan opened fire in which 18-year-old Nabu was killed.
The police have registered murder charges against unknown Armymen.
The Army, meanwhile, has said it regrets the incident and has ordered an inquiry.
"We deeply mourn their demise. Through you I want to convey our deep condolences to the bereaved families. Secondly, we are investigating into the details of the incident. I can assure that if any wrongdoing emerges, appropriate will be taken," said Major General RR Nimborker, General Officer Commanding, Victor Forces.
The security forces are reportedly under pressure to deliver results against militants who recently killed eight soldiers in Srinagar.
Police sources say the Army has violated the Standard Operating Procedure under which the Army is not supposed to carry out any search operation during the night.
The incident has come as another blow to the fragile calm in in Kashmir less than a week after an Army convoy was attacked in Srinagar. While both the Army and the state government have promised action against the guilty, people are cynical about Army probes and Police FIRs in the Valley.