J&K: Mehbooba Mufti condemns killing of youth

Sofi was killed as Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel opened fire at protesters when they were agitating against the re-arrest of separatist leader Masarat Alam at Narbal early this morning,

“Now that an FIR has been lodged in the tragic incident, I am sure the investigation wpuld be taken to a logical conclusion and action would be taken against the forces personnel involved in the incident,” Mehbooba said in a statement issued here.

She said it is a very serious matter that SOP was not followed while dealing with the protesters and “we expect the command and control of the forces to take note of it and ensure strict adherence to SOP not only during normal situations but during any kind of protests as
well.”

“I am confident that the investigations would be taken to the logical conclusion so that the same acts as a deterrent against such situations in future,” she said and expressed confidence that the investigation will not end up as no action being taken on the matter as used to happen in the past in such tragic situations.

Expressing heartfelt sympathies and solidarity with the bereaved family, Mehbooba said the PDP stands with the people and the party will ensure that justice prevails.

A teenager was killed in police firing in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir near the summer capital of the state, triggering fresh outrage against forces and prompting the ruling government to order a magisterial probe.

The government Saturday ordered a magisterial probe into the killing of Suhail Ahmad (16) who fell to the bullets in firing by the security forces early this morning when they were protesting against re-arrest of hardliner separatist leader Masrat Alam at Narabal in Budgam district, about 15 km from Srinagar, official said.

“Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam has been asked to investigate the reasons leading to death of one person and injury to 2 others due to firing at Magam early today during a procession  and furnish the report within 15 days," Deputy commissioner of Budgam Altaf Ahmad said.