Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, June 1
In what could be embarrassing to the Government ahead of Pakistani ruler Pervez Musharaff’s visit to India, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), taking a suo motu cognizance of media reports alleging “rise in custodial deaths” in the Kashmir valley, has issued notices to ministries of Home Affairs and Defence and also the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking note of the fact that serious violations of human rights had triggered off protests by civilians across the Kashmir valley, the NHRC has called for detailed investigation reports from the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Ministries of Home Affairs and Defence.
According to newspaper reports, one Aijaz Ahmad Kitab had been arrested and later killed in a fake encounter by the Special Operation Group of Police on May 20, 2001. The report also stated that the DGP, J&K had clarified that the victim was a militant and had been killed in an encounter.
“This was one instance of six controversial custodial killings reported in Jammu and Kashmir recently. These killings had triggered off protest demonstrations across the state,” an NHRC press note said here.
The Commission had also received complaints from a resident of Mumbai, who had submitted local newspaper reports alleging other custodial deaths in Kashmir.
According to these reports, one Gulzar Ahmad Ganie was taken into custody and tortured. He was released in a critical condition. He expired in the hospital.
One Ghulam Mohd. Bhatt was picked up for questioning by BSF personnel and tortured. This damaged his kidneys and he was now undergoing treatment, the Commission note said quoting newspaper reports.
Two school students Shiraz Ahmad Khan and Syed Malik were tortured and killed and their bodies disposed of. In another case, two civilians who were perforce asked to neutralise a landmine planted by militants died when the mine exploded, the press note added.
