Srinagar, July 25
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the Border Security Force (BSF) had opened fire first after the alleged altercation between its personnel and civilians in Ramban on July 18. The firing resulted in injuries to some civilians following which a large number of people gathered and the BSF and the police had to “use force to control the mob,” he said.

Omar revealed this during an exclusive interview to the Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune. The full text of the interview will be published on Sunday.

The Chief Minister said the police was not the first to open fire. “These issues are being inquired,” he said.

At least four persons were killed and 42 others injured in the incident which occurred in the Gool area of Ramban. The incident had triggered widespread tension in the Jammu region and its ripples were felt in the Valley too. While curfew was clamped in Ramban, shutdown and demonstrations were seen in several areas of Kashmir. Sensing trouble, restrictions were imposed in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley for two days. The controversy remains as to who fired first — whether the state police or the BSF.

Replying to a question on the situation in the Valley that followed Ramban incident, Omar said it was a “localised thing” and not related to Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has already ordered an inquiry into the incident and assured Omar that “any use of excessive force or irresponsible action will be dealt with strictly”. The state government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the exact sequence of events.

Regarding Budgam, which was rocked by clashes between two sects recently, Omar said the situation was gradually improving there.