M A I N   N E W S

9 Army men indicted for killing 2 in Budgam
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 27
The Army’s Court of Inquiry has indicted nine of its men, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), for killing of two youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district earlier this month. The killings sparked widespread protests across the Valley.

The inquiry, which has recommended court martial proceedings against the nine Army men, has been submitted to the Northern Command for action.

Faisal Yousuf (17) and Meraj-u-din Dar (21) were killed and two others were injured on November 3 evening when troops of the 53 Rastriya Rifles, manning a checkpoint at Chattergam village in Budgam, opened fire on the youngsters’ car. The J&K Police had registered a murder case against the Army men.

Confirming that the inquiry into the Budgam firing incident has been completed, defence spokesman Lt Col NN Joshi said: “The report is pending due to legal formalities and has been forwarded to the Army authorities concerned.”

Sources say the inquiry report has been submitted to the Northern Command Headquarters for approval. After being perused by the legal department of the command, the Army authorities may recommend action against the accused Army men, which may either include initiating court martial proceedings or holding effectual proceedings.

The Court of Inquiry was conducted by Deputy Commander, Qazigund-based 2 Sector Rastriya Rifles. Prima facie the inquiry found that rules of engagement were violated, said sources.

‘Produce accused in civil court’

Mohammad Yousuf, father of Faisal Yousuf, who was killed in the firing, said the accused should be produced in a civil court and they should be punished as per the government law. Ghulam Mohammad, father of Meraj-u-din Dar, who was also killed in the incident, appreciated the way the inquiry was conducted by the Army.

Court martial recommended

• The Court of Inquiry recommends court martial proceedings against nine Army men
• Police investigations revealed the troops fired over 100 rounds at the youngsters’ car
• The Army initially claimed its men fired at the car when it didn't stop despite being signalled
• A preliminary report submitted by the Budgam District Magistrate and the SSP contradicted the Army’s claim
• The state government also ordered a magisterial probe