Srinagar, April 18, KDC: The Indian Army has ordered an internal enquiry following allegations that an assistant professor, was beaten by troops during a search operation in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, the army said that it had recieved input on likely movement of terrorists in a vehicle in this sensitive area. Accordingly, search operations were being conducted. Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individual tried to snatch weapon of the soldiers on duty and initiated a scuffle with them.
The spokesman further stated that however, an enquiry has been initiated. Should any personnel be found guilty of misconduct, strict action will be taken in accordance with the existing law.
The Indian Army remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the conduct of counter terror operations. All sections of the society are requested to continue to cooperate and collaborate with the Indian Army for collective and comprehensive security in this sensitive area, reads the statement.
However, locals contradicted the claim, saying that even the officers and soldiers present at the spot did not accuse the professor of snatching the weapon.
“The version of weapon snatching does not find backing even among the soldiers on ground,” locals said, adding that the individual was subjected to beating without provocation.
Locals also allegedly beat up a member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at the same spot by the army men.
According to the family, Dr. Lakiyaat, an Assistant Professor at IGNOU in Delhi, along with his brothers Riaz, Anayat, and others, were returning from a relative’s home after attending an important family event related to an upcoming marriage when they were stopped by soldiers of 58 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) for checking, reported Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
“All of us are educated, law-abiding citizens. Some among us are even serving in the Army and ITBP. We cooperated fully, showed our identity cards, and respectfully informed them about our background,” said one of the relatives of Dr. Lakiyaat.
“Is this a democratic country? Are we not allowed to move freely at night? Is that area a restricted zone?” the family members questioned.
The incident has left the family shaken. “Despite full cooperation, showing our identity, and being government employees ourselves, we were treated with brutality. We are not feeling safe anymore. For months now, tribal communities are being repeatedly targeted across the Union Territory,” the relative added.
They urged the government to intervene and ensure justice. “We request the administration to initiate a proper probe and bring those responsible to justice so that no law-abiding citizen has to suffer this way. Every individual deserves to feel safe and secure.”
Meanwhile, a police official told Srinagar-based news agency Kashmir Dot Com that police has taken cognizance of the incident and an FIR has been registered in this regard. The Investigation has been set into motion, the officer added. (KDC)
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