Srinagar, July 7: The Chairman of State Human Rights Commission on Wednesday expressed strong resentment over the killing of four persons including a woman in police and paramilitary CRPF in Srinagar city on Tuesday.
The SHRC chairperson, Justice Bashir-ud-Din said the unabated killing spree in the Valley since June 11 was a dangerous pattern. He also asked the Government to restore sense of security among the people.
“I feel sad over the killing of four civilians in Srinagar yesterday. The killing of civilians in any circumstances is unacceptable. Time and again this Commission has directed the troops and cops to exercise restrain even in extreme situations. Unfortunately, the directions are not adhered to resulting in loss of precious lives,” Justice
Bashir-ud-Din told Greater Kashmir.
The chairperson said the Commission has observed that most of the teenagers and youth killed since June 11 were either hit by teargas canister or bullets in their chest, head and neck. “This has led to killings of at least 14 persons in less than a month. The police and troopers should adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure and ensure saving the lives of civilians while maintaining law and order. They should no excuses as the troopers and cops are vigorously trained to deal with tough situations and respecting human rights,’ he said.
The Chairperson maintained that the Commission will seek report in all the 14 killings from police. “We will analyze the police reports and take appropriate action against the accused.  This commission is committed to bring the perpetrators irrespective of rank or statues to book. We also directed the Government to take steps to restore sense of security among the masses,” he said.
Meanwhile, Justice Bashir-ud-Din who also heads the one man Judicial Commission to probe the killings of two youth, Shakeel Ahmad Ganaie and Firdous Ahmad Khan allegedly in firing of CRPF in Sopur on June 26, today issued public notice to enlist witnesses and record their statements.
The duo was killed when the troopers allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on protesters at Krankshivan, demanding bodies of two militants killed in an encounter there. The Judicial Commission which was formed on June 25, had to delay issuance of the public notices due to continuous curfew in Sopur. In the public notices, the Commission has asked the groups of persons, individuals, institutions and associations having knowledge directly or indirectly of facts and circumstances related to the incident to furnish statements in the form of affidavits sworn before any court or magistrate.
The Commission has assured full protection to the persons who wish to make their statements regarding the incidents. The Commission will hear the cases on notified dates at Dak Bunglow Sopur.
Pertinently the  Commission’s terms of reference include ascertaining the causes of
death of the two civilians, determining the persons responsible for these deaths and fixing responsibility for use of excessive force, if any. It has been set up by virtue of the Jammu and Kashmir Commission of Inquiries Act 1962.
Though the Commission had been directed to file the report within a month, official sources said due to prevailing situation in the Valley, its tenure was likely to be extended.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST