Special investigation teams will be set up in Srinagar and Pulwama to look into allegations that security forces had used excessive force against civilians during the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti announced on Monday. Referring primarily to the deaths of an ATM guard in Srinagar and a lecturer in Pulwama in August 2016, she said the cases will be investigated and the guilty punished, IANS reported.
ATM guard Riyaz Ahmad Shah is believed to have been killed by Central Reserve Police Force personnel, while lecturer Shabir Ahmad Mangoo was beaten to death allegedly by Army troops, according to Greater Kashmir. The incidents followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016.
The chief minister, while addressing the state Assembly, announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for those who had lost members of their family to firing by security forces. Those blinded by pellets fired by security personnel using pump-action guns will be offered government jobs, as well, she said, adding that her government will ensure that those guilty of human rights violations during the unrest in the Valley would be penalised. The use of pellet guns as part of riot control measures was widely criticised.
The state has seen violent protests and retaliatory police action for the past six months. Nearly a 100 civilians and many security personnel have been killed since Wani’s death. Thousands sustained serious injuries in clashes with security forces. For months, everyday life came to a standstill in the Valley because of calls for curfews and restrictions on internet services imposed to prevent further violence.
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