Courtesy: Daily Rising Kashmir dated February 22nd, 2010 by Asem Mohiuddin/Mir Tariq
Sopore, Feb 21: As Bomai observed complete shutdown on Sunday to commemorate the death anniversary of two youth killed by troopers on February 21 last year, the family members and relatives of the slain youth have demanded action against the men in uniform, who were indicted by the government probe for killing the civilians.
On February 21, 2009, two youth Javed Ahmad Dar and Mohammad Amin Tantray hailing from Muslimpir Sopore were shot dead by army personnel at Bomai without any provocation. Another youth was seriously injured in the troopers firing. An FIR number 73/09 under section number RPC 302, dated 21-2-2009 stands registered against 22 RR in police station Sopore.
The locals formed Bomai Coordination Committee and pressed for action against the troopers involved in killing of Tantray and Dar and shifting of army camp from the area. Caving to the public press, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ordered a magisterial probe while army initiated a court of inquiry. On March 24, 2009, the government shifted army’s infamous Rajinder Post from the area to Wadoora.
“After the two youth were killed by troops, the government had assured us that prompt action would be taken against the guilty troopers. Unfortunately, the government has not kept its promise and nothing has happened,” said Mohammad Ismail, father of one of the victims, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
He said troopers involved in the killing have been identified but no action taken against them so far. “Two army men and an SOG personal have been found involved in opening indiscriminate and unprovoked firing on the youth on the fateful day. The same has been found by the government team that probed the incident. The investigations were led by then Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Baseer Ahmad Khan,” he said.
Sources said that the inquiry reported forwarded by the inquiry team to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and union home minister had clearly indicted the troopers for killing the youth.
Ismail urged the chief minister Omar Abdullah to restart probe into the incident and punish the guilty troopers. “The government should arrest the troopers involved in the killings. The guilty men should be punished severely so that such incidents don’t recur in future,” he said, adding, “The Chief minister should fulfill his promise of acting tough against the erring troopers”.
Sopore Bar association President, Mohammad Maqbool Mir said they will approach the court if government delays deliverance of justice and fails to take action against the guilty troopers.
The Bomai area observed complete shutdown on Sunday to commemorate the death anniversary of two youth killed in troopers firing. All the shops and business establishments in the area remained closed. People in hundreds visited the graveyard, where the two are buried and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Hundreds of people with banners and placards gathered in front of Jamia Masjid on the call of Bomai Coordination Committee (BCC).
“We gathered here to remind CM about his promises. Though the camp was relocated but the killers are yet to be punished,” said BCC President Hakeem-Ul-Rehman
He said that instead of punishing killers, police charge sheeted 65 people of the village for taking part in protest demonstrations.
He demanded Nishat-like prompt probe into the incident and severe punishment to the killers of the youth.
“We agitated peacefully, held demonstrations and sit-ins consistently. Our peaceful agitation forced government to relocate the camp from the area. But unfortunately the government is not daring to punish the army men found involved in the killing,” Hakeem said.
He accused government of betraying the Bomai people. “We have not given up our demands and will continue to agitate peacefully till the guilty troopers are punished,” he said.
“We observed the shutdown today to remind the government of the killings. We will wait for government response till Tuesday and chalk future strategy afterwards,” added Hakeem
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