Srinagar, Dec 27: Hours after meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who met the families of three civilians who were killed last week after being allegedly detained by the Army following a terrorist attack on two Army vehicles in Poonch district.
Defence Minister Singh, accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, inquired about the well-being of four civilians reportedly subjected to torture by troops in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri during an anti-terrorist operation.
He assured the affected individuals of justice and pledged action against those found guilty following a thorough inquiry into the incident.
Addressing reporters at the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital, where he visited after meeting the families of the deceased civilians, Singh affirmed, “Whatever has happened…there will be justice.”
Reacting to assurances of Defence Minister, Aijaz Ahmad, a close relative of deceased Shabir told Rising Kashmir that they are hopeful that justice will prevail. It has raised our hopes and we are hopeful for justice,” he said.
“All of three civilians were innocent and they had no links with the terrorism or any terror organisation. We hope for justice and all officers involved in this incident should be booked under the law of the land,” he said.
Abdul Majeed Choudhary, a local of Buffiliaz Pooch said they are thankful to the Defence Minister and Army for their action. He said Mohd Showket was killed during interrogation.
“We are hopeful that the inquiry will be completed in a time-bound manner, ” he said, adding that the truth would come to fore under the supervision of the Defence Minister,” he said.
Mohammad Farooq, close relative of deceased Safeer Hussain said the Defense Minister’s visit has raised hope among the locals. We will also coordinate and cooperate with the security agencies during the investigation, he added.
“We hope for justice, and all officers involved in this incident should be booked under the law of the land,” he added.
Last week dead bodies of three civilians Safeer Hussain, Mohd Showket and Shabir Ahmad were found on December 22, a day after they were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has already announced compensation and jobs to the kin of three civilians and Army has also launched an internal investigation in this matter.
