Srinagar, July 30: Army Monday ordered a probe into the killing of Hilal Ahmad Dar of Bandipora, saying that action would be taken as per law against those found involved in the incident. This is a climb-down from Army’s earlier position in which it had described the killed youth as a militant and the incident as an encounter.
“Upholding the sentiments of the people, Army have ordered a thorough probe headed by a senior officer to investigate into the incident of Ashtingoo, Bandipora, on the night of 24/25 July 2012, in which Hilal Ahmad Dar of village Aloosa had died,” a statement released by Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ministry of Defence, said.
The Army probe came three days after police arrested two informers of Rashtriya Rifles unit involved in the incident.
Bandipora witnessed violent protests for five consecutive days against the killing.
The Army statement added that the probe will consider all aspects of the incident including inputs from people and Jammu & Kashmir Police. “An earnest endeavour will be made to bring out the truth. Depending on the outcome of the investigations, action will be taken as per the law of the land,” said the statement.
Quoting the GOC 15 Corps, Lt General Om Prakash, the statement further said that Army reassures fair and transparent investigation into the incident. “Army is committed towards peace in the Valley and security, well being and dignity of the people,” the GOC was quoted as saying.
Army has also expressed sympathies with family of Hilal Ahmad Dar. “Notwithstanding the outcome of this incident, the Army has conveyed its full sympathies towards the aggrieved family for the loss of life of Hilal Ahmad Dar,” the statement further said.
Sources in the Army said that a Commanding Officer rank official from Pattan-based 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles (RR) has been assigned the job of investigation into the killing.
Earlier, in the wake of strong public protest against the killing, Defence Minister AK Antony had last Thursday ordered an inquiry into the matter.
Army had initially dismissed any demands of inquiry by saying that the Army "fired on a group of militants". "For us there is nothing to prove….It is clear. It was a group of militants," it had said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST