Soldiers shot dead a 22-year-old man in Trehgam on Wednesday when a vehicle they were moving in was hit with stones, police and witnesses said.
Khalid Gaffar Malik, a shopkeeper was sitting at the shop front when the soldiers passing by retaliated by firing live rounds after they were pelted with stones by some youth amid a shutdown called by the Joint Resistance Leadership against civilian killings.
Malik’s elder brother, Asif Ahmad works in the Indian Army and his other brother, Waseem Ahmed is a policeman, while his third brother was also recently inducted into the state police.
Witnesses told Greater Kashmir Malik was not among any protestors nor was he throwing stones when he was hit with a bullet.
A police officer confirmed the killing, saying the incident was being investigated.
“Preliminary reports say that army patrolling party was stone pelted and army retailed with opening gun fire in which on youth has been killed we are looking into the matter,” deputy inspector general of police, Yasir Parrey said.
Srinagar based army spokesman, Col Rajesh Kalia told Greater Kashmir “we are looking into the matter.”
Soon after the incident, massive protests broke out in the area. Hundreds of people from adjoining areas rushed towards the slain youth’s home and staged protests.
Kupwara district administration ordered class work in schools and colleges suspended for Thuirsday apprehending protests.
“There will be restrictions across the district tomorrow (Thursday) and Trehgam will remain under curfew,” deputy commissioner of Kupwara, Khalid Jehangir told Greater Kashmir.