The Hindu : 'Infiltrators' were locals, say villagers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 06, 2002

Other States

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

'Infiltrators' were locals, say villagers

By Our Staff Reporter

JAMMU JULY 5 . A controversy has erupted over the killing of three persons, described as "infiltrators," in Poonch by the Army last week. The villagers have lodged a first information report alleging that those killed were local inhabitants who were picked up on June 25.

According to the villagers, Khadim Hussain, a watchman, his son Mohammad Riaz, and son-in-law Mohammad Rashid belonged to the Poonch district.

On June 29, the Army had said in a press release that two militants, who had infiltrated into the Mendhar sector, had been killed. Another member of the same group was also subsequently gunned down. The Army had also claimed that heavy weaponry and other things bearing Pakistani marks were recovered from the slain.

A day after the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Police also released the names of the killed. But doubts about the killings were raised when, after the killing of the third person, the villagers and Hussain's daughter registered an FIR.

Sources said that preliminary investigations had revealed that the killed were not from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but were residents of Dera Daksi village on this side of the Line of Control. They were staying in village Basoni. Whether they had any links with the militants or were involved in any illegal activities was being investigated.

The locals had also approached Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for External Affairs, while he was on a tour of this area two days ago. Mr. Abdullah reportedly assured the villagers that he would take up the matter with the authorities.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

Sarpanch killed in Jammu

Ex-militants attacked

'Infiltrators' were locals, say villagers