Srinagar, July 29: The Commission of Inquiry constituted by the State Government to probe the killings of 17 civilians by police and troopers in various parts of the Valley since June 11 has assured a fair and transparent investigation.
Justice Bashir-ud-Din, who heads the Judicial Commission, said fresh probes will be initiated into the killings. “The Commission will thoroughly probe the cases to ascertain the causes and circumstances leading to the killings, identify the accused persons and fix responsibility for use of excessive force, if any. We assure meaningful, transparent and fair probe,” Justice Bashir-ud-Din told Greater Kashmir.
However, he sought cooperation from the people. “Our report will be based on statements of witnesses, circumstantial and scientific evidences. But it is mandatory that people who have direct and indirect information regarding the killings should cooperate and help us to lead towards the truth,” he said.
The setting up of an independent Commission of Inquiry to probe the killings was recommended by the All Party Meeting called by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah earlier this month. The Commission has been set up by virtue of Jammu and Kashmir Commission of Inquiries Act 1962. It has to submit the report in three months.
Incidentally, Justice Bashir-ud-Din as Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of all the killings since June 11 and asked the Government and Police to file factual reports.
“Judicial Commission and SHRC will separately probe the cases. The Judicial Commission’s report has to be filed to the Government and I will like to incorporate its findings in the SHRC reports,” he said.
Official sources said Justice Bashir-ud-Din will soon
be holding a meeting with the Commission’s member, Justice (Retd) YP Nargotra, and chalk out modalities for conducting the probe.
“The Commission is awaiting orders from the Government to formally start the investigation. The members will decide the date of issuing public notices calling for deposition by witnesses and fix the places for the Commission’s functioning,” they said.
However, officials said the Commission will be headquartered at Srinagar and have its sub-offices in Varmul and Islamabad for convenience of the witnesses.
Sources said Justice Bashir-ud-Din who also heads the separate one-man Judicial Commission to probe the killings of two youth, Shakeel Ahmad Ganaie and Firdous Ahmad Khan, in CRPF firing on a procession in Sopur on June 25, has requisitioned the Government to club the case with the fresh probe.
The Commission had to submit its report by July 26. “But due to unfavourable situation in Sopur, the witnesses could not depose before the Commission. Besides, the police had sought time to submit details about the accused troopers. Now, the case is likely to be clubbed with the fresh judicial probe and a notification in this regard will be issued soon,” officials said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST