Army admits to opening fire

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU, FEB. 18. Admitting that the Army had opened fire both in Haigam and Maisuma, the Commander of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt. Gen. John Ranjan Mukherjee, today regretted the loss of seven lives in these incidents. He appealed to the people to end the protests with an assurance that the blameworthy would be brought to book and dealt with according to law.

Extending condolences to the bereaved families, Lt. Gen. Mukherjee told a news conference that efforts must be made ensure the success of the peace process. ``I must express sincere condolences and regrets over these deaths to the bereaved families and to the people of Kashmir... I fervently appeal to the people of Kashmir to abjure these agitations and violence.''

Detailing the incidents that have rocked Kashmir, the commander said that on February 15 an Army convoy was blocked at Haigam by people who were agitating for the body of one Jalil Shah killed earlier by security forces in an operation. The commander of the convoy asked for help and a police party reached the spot. Their efforts initially appeared successful and the convoy commander ordered a go-ahead.

When the convoy began moving, the crowd turned violent and started throwing stones and kangris (fire- pots). There were also reports of some elements firing at the convoy. Lt. Gen. Mukherjee said that the commander exercised his right to protect the convoy, and in self-defence, ordered five of his men to open controlled fire in the air and move quickly to their destination. He immediately reported the incident to his superiors. The Corps Commander said since a judicial inquiry has been ordered, ``we have also ordered a detailed inquiry into the unfortunate incident''.

Regarding the Maisuma incident, he admitted that an official from the Army Intelligence detachment of the 15 Corps fired at a procession when his vehicle was stuck amid demonstrators. He said this too was in self-defence, but maintained that a detailed inquiry was being conducted. The Director-General of Police, Mr. A.K. Suri, had earlier denied that the Army had opened fire in Maisuma. He had, in fact, blamed his own force for the killing of Javed Ahmed. Police had taken into custody the constable who ``opened fire'', which was also denied by Mr. Suri. But the Corps Commander admitted today that it was the Army which was responsible.

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