The Informative Missive Published by PUBLIC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Editorial:   Shielding The Culprits

    State v/s Mushtaq Ahmed Ganie is a classic case of impunity enjoyed by the army in Kashmir valley. The 4th additional session judge, Srinagar, has awarded life imprisonment on 23rd September 2003, to the accused Mushtaq Ahmed Ganie, for beating to death a civilian, Riyaz Ahmed Wani on 13th September 1994. The accused and one Captain Sharma of Grenadiers (22nd battalion) were responsible for the torturous death of a civilian at Batnoor village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district during the search and cordon operation. And, according to the witnesses the accused did the act on the directives of the Captain. Normally, Captain Sharma should have been co-accused and received the same punishment as the accused. But neither he was put to trail nor punished because of the impunity granted to the security forces under Section 6 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) which reads as, “no prosecution, suit or other legal proceedings shall be instituted except with the previous sanction of Centre, against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers conferred by this act.”

    There are innumerable cases in which the army officials, non-state actors, renegades, etc have carried out the liquidations and assassinations of non-combatant Kashmiris and there are cases in which the army is directly responsible for the dastardly killings. According to the police records in more than 200 cases where after investigation the crimes had been established against the security forces and equal number of cases have been sent by previous governments to Ministry of Home Affairs for sanction, the cases are gathering dust as no approval has been made by the federal government. In the case of Parveena Ahanger, the President, Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), whose son disappeared in 1990, the federal government has refused sanction to prosecute three officials of National Security Guard, thereby compelling her to challenge the refusal order before the J and K High Court. Notwithstanding, the Supreme Court’s directive while deciding the legal validity of AFSPA, that the complaints against armed forces must be investigated and action taken under the army Act is been ignored. The apex court had observed that the Do’s and Don’ts (read ten Commandments) issued by the army authorities are binding and any disregard to the said instructions would entail suitable action under the army Act, 1950. Not to speak of punishing the armed forces for committing human rights violations, the leading politicians have talked about granting amnesty to the army personnel already facing serious charges of committing gross criminal acts in other states. For example, one Major Avtar Singh accused of abducting and assassinating human rights activist Jaleel Andrabi on 23rd March 1996 is still at large. It has been reported that after seeking retirement from the army, Major Singh is honorably running a boutique business at Haryana and the security agencies are impressing upon the court that he is not available.

    The whole system of human rights violation functions on the basis of impunity; legal impunity mentioned above is one of the facets. The other facets are political impunity, which sustains itself on an institutionalized lie. When it comes to political assassinations, the perpetrators are convinced they have better served their country by torturing, killing or making the “enemy” disappear. All this convince the perpetrators that they are unaccountable and have license to do anything in the name of patriotism and territorial integrity of the country.

    The new regime in its Common Minimum Programme had promised to deal sternly with the perpetrators and there were expectations amongst the section of society that the regime would take measures in this behalf. But with the passage of time, the disappointment set in and this regime proved as helpless as its predecessors in controlling the state-sponsored terrorism. And, a section of society was already pessimistic arguing that the civilian governments cannot control the paramilitary forces, as they have no powers over them. The punishment to some civilians/renegades like Mushtaq Ahmed Ganaie or suspending and dismissing the low ranking officials of the police force act as a fig leaf. Unless the perpetrators are not held personally responsible for crimes against humanity, nothing is going to change and it is unlikely that the state or central governments will do anything. Indeed, it needs political will to do so.

ONE DAY BRIDEGROOM BLOWN INTO PIECES
In yet another heartbreaking incident of the valley, a groom was blown into pieces and the one-day bride was given the burnt leg as the remains of her husband to mourn his death.

Tahir Hassan Shah S/O Ghulam Hassan Shah R/O Tujjar Sharief, Sopore was married to Afroza on 11th September. Tahir was the student of B.A 1st year in Sopore Degree College. It was the day of celebrations for both the families who had gathered at Ghulam Hassan’s house. Afroza hails from Handwara and is niece of Ghulam Hassan. Before his death 5 years ago Afroza’s father had wished that Afroza be married to Tahir Hassan.

Sep 17: Chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayed ordered a judicial inquiry after visiting the victim’s family and in this regard he also talked to 15 Core Commanding Officer to inquire the incident.

    While speaking to Informative Missive Ghulam Hassan recalled the tragic story of his life and said, “my brother was weak, both financially and physically, therefore I decided to help my brother by marrying my son to his daughter, Afroza, so that he will be relieved of the responsibility of marrying one daughter. Five years back when he died, Afroza and Tahir were in 9th class. I thought it was better to wait for couple of years and then get them married.

    Finally, it was on 11th September 2003, the marriage ceremony was solemnized and we brought Afroza to our house and hoped that this marriage would be a blessing for both of them and hence bring happiness to our family. But destiny had something else in store for us.

    It was during the morning time at 4:45 a.m., our house was cordoned off by the troops of 22 Bn. RR stationed at Bomai camp, headed by Major Rajiv. They knocked the door and I went out to talk to them. They asked me who was in the house and I told them about everybody present at our home. I showed them the application, which was sanctioned by them for the permission of holding the marriage party at my residence. They ordered everybody to come out including the guests for identification. After identifying my son Tahir, the Major asked him to accompany them. We resisted but it was futile, as they had come pre-planned to take my son. I told them that they could ask Tahir everything here, as he will answer all their queries but what was the need to take him along since he was one-day bridegroom. But they did not relent and took Tahir along. Before leaving, they told us to come to the camp at 8:00 a.m. in the morning.

    At 8:00 a.m. few people accompanied me and we visited the camp at Bomai. The officer told me that, ‘I arrested your son at the right time. Till now, I haven’t asked him anything, therefore it is better if you turn up at 5:00 p.m. to take your son along’. Then at 5:00 p.m. I went again to the camp where the same Major Rajiv told me that he still had not questioned Tahir and asked me to come next morning. I again visited the camp next morning, where I was told by the Major that they can’t release my son immediately and ask me to only telephone and not to come again until they called me. I was not satisfied by their reply and went again to the camp where Major Rajiv refused to meet me. It was on 13th September. Then on 15th September morning 4:45 a.m. the troops who were in two vehicles came to our house and sent Ali Mohammad, my neighbour, to call me out of my house. The Major then informed me that Tahir was killed in a blast while they were on their way to recover arms. It was a shock for me and I questioned the security personnel that why only my son was killed and not someone from the forces as he was accompanying them. Then they told me to recover the body of Tahir from the spot of the blast. I lost my temper and argued with them.

    Soon after that, I visited the Sopore police station where I met the SHO and the Superintendent of Police (SP) concerned also. I narrated the whole incident to them. After listening to my woes the SP assured me of taking action against the guilty and described the killing of my son as a murder.

When the police came with us to recover the body, it was only his left foot and nothing else.
    On the third day of the killing of my son the Chief Minister also came to my house and assured us that they would hold the magisterial probe. But till now nothing has happened. Whatever, promises the police and the authorities including the Chief Minister made to us have not yielded any results, as I feel no practical step has been taken which can prove that they are serious to curb or end the impunity granted to the oppressors; whereas, they are moving free and are shedding blood of the innocents everyday. They arrest, they kill and no action is taken against them.

    The role of the police is unpardonable. I had reported the incident to them on 15th September, but they had not filed the FIR and it was only due to the public pressure and the continuous strike in the entire area, which forced the police to lodge the FIR after several days.

    Major Rajiv had called some of our relatives to the camp to negotiate with us. My younger brother, who is a Mufti (religious Scholar), went to the camp. The Major told him that they admit that they made a mistake and told that the family should pardon them. The Major said, that they were ready to pay the compensation and wanted to shake hands with my brother but he refused and told him, ‘you are a criminal and it is not good to shake hands with the criminals. The only way we will be satisfied now is that justice should be done. If you can’t give our son back then shoot yourself with your own gun, we would be satisfied with that as well.’

    From that point of time we have not seen Major Rajiv again as he was transferred from Bomai camp to Sopore, just four kilometers from Bomai perhaps this was the only action taken against him. Since then, army has not harassed us but they have been harassing the whole village for the strike and protest demonstrations, held by them for several days against the Rashtriya Rifles. The villagers, who participated in the demonstrations, were questioned and threatened by the army for raising slogans against them. The army had later alleged that my son was working for them as an informer but I have the courage to tell them that they are liars and they are saying this to save themselves from further humiliation, and for their own defence. This is a baseless allegation. My son was a regular student of Sopore Degree College and was enrolled in the B.A. 1st year under the roll number 629 and had no affiliation either with the army or with the militants. Even if we agree that Tahir was working for the army, then why only Tahir was killed in the blast and why not anybody from the forces was killed or either injured. If my son was working for them then why did they have to arrest him from our house, at an odd time, and on his wedding day; they could have just asked him to be present on any day. These are the allegations they are making to fool the people but we know the truth.”

    Afroza who was sitting next to her father-in-law while the Informative Missive team was talking to them. She was silent, deep in her thoughts as if she was not interested even in talking to the team. Finally on being asked by the Informative Missive team as to what she thinks about her future now, she replied after taking a deep sigh, “Ruined – My life is ruined. How can I translate my feelings and pain in words? I can never forget the moment when the R.R. arrested him and I could not show any resistance as I was a one day bride – I can never forget the moments I lived in uncertainty and pain to hear the news about my husbands well being – I can never forget the moment when I was informed that my husband was killed and I became a widow even before knowing what marriage is all about. I am an orphan and had a painful past, my brother worked round the clock to hoard each and every penny for my marriage. Like any other girls I was expecting a good future after my marriage but fate had other plans for me. Now the villagers here taunt me and say that I was the cause of my husband’s death; they say I was having an affair with a renegade and that renegade killed my husband. It is very sickening to hear all this, I would have left long back to my brother’s house but I stayed back because my father- in- law is also my uncle and I feel for him. Also my brother is poor, I don’t want to be a liability on him.”

    On September 19, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of the extra judicial execution after widely being covered by the press. Since the Commission does not have jurisdiction over the armed forces, it has sent the newspaper cutting of a national daily titled as “Army takes away groom on the day 1 of wedding, sends his body back ”, to the Secretary of Ministry of Defence and asked for remarks. The Sopore Bar Association has also filed an application for registration of FIR.

Tragic family:

FOUR YEARS AFTER THE ACCUSED WERE ARRESTED IN THE INFAMOUS TRIPLE MURDER CASE, THE FAMILY IS STILL CRYING HOARSE FOR JUSTICE.

    Four years back, on 23rd June 1999, at about 7:45 p.m., Special Task Force (STF) personnel apprehended three young men riding on a scooter. The trio Ghulam Mohammad Mattoo, r/o Nawakadal, Javed Ahmed Shah, r/o Lal Bazar and Nazir Ahmed Gilkar r/o Nowhatta, were returning from a marriage celebration. The trio was then dragged to the police station in Soura and detained. Inside the police station, the SHO, Rashid Billa, along with his six accomplices tortured them ruthlessly, and later killed all of them.

    Five days later the families were able to exhume bodies from Baramulla and bury them in their ancestral graveyards. The case was widely reported in the media creating pressure on the government to order inquiry. The accused were identified and the case went to the court of law. Four years later, the case continues to stretch from one hearing to another, bringing in untold miseries to the relatives of the deceased. Although seven people were accused and arrested in the case but only four are in custody, one was allegedly killed by unidentified gunmen, another was bailed out, and the prime accused Rashid Billa is absconding. The case has been transferred to Jammu court making it very difficult for the families to follow it and their constant appeal to shift the case to Srinagar court has been turned down up teem times.

    Four years later the wounds of the family members are far from healed. The incident is a nightmare and continues to haunt them. The broken pieces of their lives have yet to be collected and put back in place, as is apparent from the faces of the family members when they spoke to Informative Missive. Gulshan w/o
Gh. Mohammad Mattoo r/o Nawakadal, who was killed, is living in immense pain. After the shocking death of her husband she chose to stay with her in-laws. And She has only one son who is now studying in 3rd standard. In fact it was the wedding ceremony of her younger sister when the trio was arrested after dropping the bride at home. As she recalls the day, she says, “these days people come back home late in the night but my husband was killed because he was coming home at about 8 p.m., as it was the reason given for his death. His death came as big blow. From the last four years we are moving from pillar to post for justice but nobody cares, we are directed from one office to another. My son is not aware of his father’s death, he thinks he is in Calcutta where he used to work and will return soon. But we got their bodies exhumed from Baramulla so that tomorrow when our children will grow and ask us “where is our father’? We can take them to graveyard and tell them he lies here. Zaitoon begum mother of Javed Ahmed Shah, with tears in her eyes laments her son’s killers, “why did they kill my son, he was an innocent man, he was returning from a marriage ceremony. What was his fault? His two children keep asking for their father, they think he is gone to a wedding party and every time they see a wedding celebration they tell me, ‘let us look for Abbu (father), he must be in this wedding’. How will I explain to them the brutal manner in which their father was killed? Their mother has re-married and kept them here, now me and my younger son looks after them. My son Javed was carrying money, they took all the money and the scooter, and I wish they had left him alive after taking his possession. Sometimes he came home so late in the night. One day he returned home at the middle of night, but on that day he was killed in cold blood and it was just 7:45 p.m.” She Questions why was he killed? But who will answer her queries.

    Farooq Ahmad brother of slain Nazir Ahmed Gilkar has been following the trial of his brother’s case relentlessly but alas! without much success. Nazir who had been married just for eleven months at the time of his killing had no child and his wife has re-married. Farooq and Nazir were jointly running business in Calcutta, but after Nazir’s death, the business is in jeopardy. Farooq says, “it is very difficult for us to visit Jammu and follow the trials, from the last six months we don’t know what has happened to the case as we were not able to go to Jammu, we cannot afford the travel and stay expenses. Several times we appealed that the hearings be shifted to Srinagar but our pleas felt on deaf ears. There is also communication problem, in Jammu, they speak Hindi and we speak Kashmiri, in this way facts are distorted. There is so much of corruption there. Also we are not sure what happened to guilty. From the seven accused, only four are behind the bars. We want justice, the perpetrators should be punished we should get justice”.

    All the relatives of the trio killed are collectively fighting for justice. For them the tragedy is too grave to be forgotten. They had never imagined that their dear ones would meet such a fate. But the struggle for justice is very tough and hurdles are many but the family believes in fighting till the end. The family members are also grateful to the crime branch Srinagar who helped in identifying the guilty and dragged them to court. Otherwise they believe these killings would have gone unnoticed and guilty would never have been found. They also feel that media was pivotal in highlighting this case and bringing it into the notice of everyone. They are waiting for justice and compensation; hope it will be delivered soon.

EXTRA JUDICIAL EXECUTIONS

* DETENUE KILLED
September 14: A Kashmiri prisoner languishing in Tihar Jail, Delhi, from last two years was allegedly killed inside the jail. His family came to know of his death after ten days when they visited the jail to meet him on 14th September.

    The relatives of Mushtaq Ahmad Gilkar son of Ghulam Mohammad Gilkar went to meet him in Tihar jail where he was detained from last two years. On reaching the jail the family came to know that Mushtaq was in Dindayal hospital for treatment.

    Worried about his welfare the family members rushed to see him but when they contacted the hospital authorities they were informed that he died 10 days ago and his dead body is in mortuary. Shocked and aghast over the killing, the jail authorities further adding insult to their agony and pain insisted them to give in written that Mushtaq died a natural death. However, they declined to comply. The family also refused to take the body and sought investigation into the killing. The relatives said, “The Delhi TADA court was going to hear his case on September 11, and he was killed ten days before the court hearing”.

    Mushtaq’s relatives held the jail authorities responsible for his killing and alleged that they (jail authorities) killed him and to hide their crime they took Mushtaq’s body to hospital only to give an impression that he died a natural death.

    As soon as the villagers came to know about Mushtaq’s killing they went on streets to protest what they called the unjustifiable and unwarranted killing, and demanded the stern action against the culpable under law.

* SPO KILLED IN CUSTODY
September 12: A Special Police Officer (SPO) has been allegedly killed in custody by Special Task Forces (STF), which led to massive protest in Ganderbal area of Srinagar. Locals alleged he was killed in custody. However, police claimed he was killed in an encounter.

    Reports said, Abdul Majeed Ganie s/o of Abdul Ahad Ganie of Preng, Ganderbal, Srinagar was working as an SPO in state police and was reportedly absent from his duty since 27th August 2003. Thereafter, his services had been terminated. Later his family handed him over to Ganderbal STF and pleaded them for his restoration in the department. Shockingly, Ahad’s family on September 11 came to know that he was killed in an encounter.

    Police sources claimed that Majeed was removed from his job on August 27th as he had joined the militancy and subsequently killed in an encounter at his native village. Soon after the news of his killing spread in his native village people took to the streets to protest the killing and alleged the STF personnel was solely involved in killing Majeed in custody and demanded stern punishment against the perpetrators.
His family members said they handed over Majeed to the STF to reinstate him and even the Superintendent of Police (S.P) assured of his job and security. The inhabitants of Preng blocked the traffic
movement for hours and demanded a result oriented probe into the incident.

* YOUTH’S KILLING SPARKS PROTEST
Sep 20: Inhabitants of village Hatair Malhan set a dharna (sit in) on Rajouri-Thaniwal Katimal road in protest against the killing of a man at the hands of security forces.

    Soon after the villagers discovered the body of a man, Mohammad Afzal, from the fields, few meters away from his house, they went on the streets and blocked the Rajouri-Thaniwal Katimal road for hours. The demonstrators alleged that Afzal was killed by security forces for unknown reasons and demanded action against the culpable. The dharna was lifted after the senior police officials intervened.

    As per the official reports, security forces noticed suspicious movement in the fields and when they asked the person to stop he ran away and the forces were forced to open fire.

JOURNALIST ASSAULTED

Sep 21: A local journalist of English daily was assaulted. Arms wielding persons allegedly sponsored by the People’s Conference (PC), a constituent of All Party Hurriet Conference assaulted the journalist. Shabir-ibn-Yousuf son of Mohammad Yousuf of Reshigund, Kupwara on the evening of 21st September was kidnapped first and subsequently subjected to cane torture allegedly by the gunmen sponsored by People’s Conference.

    Yousuf while talking to The Informative Missive said, “I was at my home, at about 8:00 p.m., there was a knock at the door and when my mother enquired, the outsider said he was a security force personnel. Then I opened the door and found a person in civvies carrying pistol. He told me that Sahib (officer) is calling you. I accompanied him to see why the forces were calling me. I saw a private vehicle outside my house at some distance and the person told me that Sahib is in the vehicle. When I reached close to the vehicle suddenly my eyes were wrapped by cloth and I was pushed inside the vehicle. They took me to Musalpora some 9 k.m. away from my home where they subjected me to severe canning. When I asked them what my fault was they said, you wrote against slain Gani Lone. And for three hours I was continuously canned. They punched my face and persistently kicked me.

    Before they left the spot, one of the persons told his comrade to shoot me but the other man said he is already dead. Half dead, they left me there. When I was sure that they had left, I stood up, and first removed the cloth from my eyes, and saw some persons were gazing from a house window. Sensing them as sympathizers, I moved towards the house, which was about 100 meters away from the spot. On reaching there the inmates gave me the first aid, and refuge for a night, and next day dropped me home.

    After two days they (assailants) sent a chit wherein it was written, ‘Why did you write against Gani Lone, tell me’? Fearing more trouble from them, I lodged an FIR in Trehgam police station, Kupwara. I am totally confused and perturbed as to why they attacked me, as I had never reported against any political activist and whenever I report political stories I keep my professional ethics in mind.” This was not the lone case of assault on journalist; recently, four local journalists of different news agencies were manhandled.

JOURNALIST THREATENED BY DIG (BSF)

Sep 25: Another assault on freedom of press came into light when a local journalist allegedly received a threat phone call from a senior BSF officer. Since last month it is the sixth attack on the freedom of expression. A journalist of English daily Ahmad Ali Fayaz accused the DIG, BSF Des Raj of threatening to kill him by pumping bullets in his chest.

    At around 12:00 pm, the officer rang on Fayaz’s mobile and expressed his anger and displeasure over a news report carried by him in 24th September issue. “Des Raj threatened to kill me by pumping bullets on my chest. And he also said taking Pangas (tiff) with security forces proves costly”, said Fayaz. According to the mobile phone call list of the journalist, the threat was hurled from a mobile phone number issued from Delhi, which perhaps has roaming facility.

    Later the journalist brought the matter into the notice of IGP Kashmir K. Rajinder, who after half an hour confirmed that DIG, BSF had made the call to express his displeasure over the news report and not to kill him. The journalist in a written application has urged IGP to register a case against Des Raj and get the recording of the threatening call from the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

    The journalist fraternity expressed serious concern over the threat and decided to take up the matter with Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Delhi. On 29th September the DIG, BSF was shifted to Delhi where he was attached to BSF headquarter.

FOUNDER OF COUNTER INSURGENCY (IKHWANIS), KUKA PARREY KILLED

September 13: Militants at Hajin, today killed Kuka Parrey, Chairman of Awami League and once feared Chief Commander of JandK Ikhwan, the valley’s front ranking counter insurgency outfit.

    Parray was killed at a short distance from his house when he was leaving for attending the final match of a local tournament organized by an army unit as chief guest. The incident took place near Hajin Bus Stand where militants suddenly came on the road and fired at the jeep carrying Kuka Parrey at close range. Parray along with his General Secretary, Muhammed Akram, was instantly killed. Two more people Wali Muhammed, the Sarpanch (Village Head) of village Saderkot Bala and Zahoor Ahmad the nephew of Parray were also killed.

    Around twelve persons who included two bodyguards of Parray were injured in the incident. Some of them have been identified as head constable Ghulam Hassan Parray, Constable Zahoor Ahmad, constable Abdul Ahad alias Kaka, Naseer Ahmad Mir s/o Muhammed Maqbool, Ghulam Nabi Dar s/o Muhammad Subhan and Bashir Ahmad Dar s/o Hajji Abdul Rahim.

    A spokesman from Save Kashmir Movement, Sheikh Tajamul Islam, owned the responsibility for killing Parray who he said was a traitor. He warned that other “traitors” would meet the same fate. The news about killing of Parray threw Hajin in turmoil. Security forces and police soon arrived on the spot and fired indiscriminately in air, which created panic in the village. The streets and markets immediately closed down.

    Parray’s death has come as a big jolt to the prevailing security situation in the state. His killing is seen, as huge reversal in the situation for Kuka Parray was a symbol of counter insurgency in the state. Way back in 1994, he had broken away from militant ranks and joined hands with the army along with his supporters. Parray spread his anti militancy activities far and wide. Within a span of one year, he with the help of army ruthlessly took on the militants and their sympathizers changing the course of militancy. His tenure as the Chief Commander of JandK Ikhwan which spanned around three years, witnessed hundreds of killings, with militants and their sympathizers bearing the brunt. The assembly elections held in 1996, which were facilitated by him also, saw him win the lone seat for his newly floated organization – Jammu and Kashmir Awami League. He was a member of legislative assembly for six years. However, last year, he failed to win another term from his constituency and lost to an NC candidate.

FAMILY MEMBERS GUNNED DOWN

*5 OF A FAMILY KILLED
Sep 2: Unidentified gunmen at Chambalvas, Banihal in the dead of night, killed five members of a family.
A small group of gunmen barged inside the residential house of Khadim Hussain and fired indiscriminately upon the inmates killing five on the spot.

    The deceased include two brothers of Khadim Husain identified as Rafiq Ahmad and Farid Ahmad. The other deceased have been identified as Irfan Ahmad s/o Rafiq Ahmad and Fatima w/o Muneer Ahmad. A case has been registered.

* DUO KILLED
Sep 23: A father son duo was allegedly gunned down by unidentified gunmen in Chek Benola area of Mendhar of district Poonch.

    An elderly man and his son were killed by unidentified gunmen inside their residential house during the intervening night of 22 and 23 September. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Hussain, 50, son of Alla Ditta and his son Nisar Ahmad, 30. The motive behind these killings has not been established.

* FOUR OF FAMILY KILLED

Sep 28: Unidentified gunmen at Mahore near Dak Bunglow in Udhampur district of Jammu division gunned down a Special Police Officer (SPO) and three members of his family including an infant. Unidentified armed men barged inside the residential house of an SPO and opened indiscriminate fire upon the inmates resulting into on the spot death of a two year old baby and one Khadam Hussain. Later, the injured SPO Muneer Hussain and Mohammad Hussain succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

TROOPS LET LOOSE TERROR IN TRAL

Sep 19: Following the causalities of troops in Lam Tral of South Kashmir in a landmine detonated by militants, the troops allegedly let loose rein of terror in the entire area. People migrated to other places to escape the ire of the forces. Even the women were not spared.

    On September 17, militants triggered a landmine explosion, which claimed the lives of two soldiers, and subsequently the troops cordoned off the area and launched a search operation under the supervision of Major. The males were assembled at one place. During the operation the troops destroyed the houses of Bashir Ahmad Patwari, Abdul Rashid Parray, Master Mohammad Asadullah and retired sub-inspector of police Abdul Gani.

    Reports alleged that jawans went berserk on September 18, and ruthlessly beat people injuring scores of them badly. Some of the injured persons have been shifted to Bone and Joint hospital Barzulla, Srinagar, and have been identified as Master Ali Muhammad Ganai, Master Assadullah Dar his two sons Mushtaq Ahmad Dar and Shabir Ahmad Dar, Bashir Ahmad s/o Abdul Gani, Shamsuddin Sheikh s/o Gulam Ahmad Sheikh. Other injured persons have been admitted in SMHS hospital and SKIMS Soura. Even the women were not spared, many women were allegedly subjected to humiliation and their clothes were torn off.

    A woman identified as Naseema w/o Abdul Rashid Ganai, who had delivered a baby only couple of days back, was taken to a nearby canal and pushed into it, rupturing her stitches. She is battling for her life in a hospital. Another woman Dilshada w/o Farooq Ahmad Dar was also pushed into the water and was released in a morbid state.

Sep 20: Government orders enquiry into alleged atrocities and has appointed Tehsildar Tral as enquiry officer.

One Fayaz Ahmad Wani, 16, s/o Abdul Gaffer Wani, who was taken into custody by troops, is reportedly missing. To avoid the wrath of forces majority of the people in the area have fled the area. Reports said the army Major has issued a diktat to halt every activity in the area. "Schools, shops shall remain closed and there should be no traffic movement for a month", The Major has announced. Due to incessant maltreatment by the troops meted out to the villagers and the callousness of the authorities, has compelled the villagers to migrate. Villagers registered a protest outside the office of Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayed and they also set a dharna (sit in), on Srinagar – Awantipora highway for hours. On September 20, government ordered a probe into the alleged atrocities and appointed Tehsildar of Tral as an enquiry officer.

Sep 24: Army denied allegations as baseless and said there was no harassment as reported by the newspapers.

    To take the stock of the situation Deputy Commissioner Pulwama district along with SP Awantipora Vijay Kumar and other civil and police officials visited the area. However, Public Relation Officer (PRO) of army, Lt Colonel R.K. Sen in a letter to a local newspaper which reads, “The security Forces cordoned off the area after receiving information about the presence of Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in the area. When the search was being carried out, the sympathizers of militants interfered with the operation carried out by the security forces. After the completion of operation the security forces went around enquiring the villagers about the people who gave them the passage. There has been no victimization of the women folk as reported by the newspapers.”

ARMY INFORMER PUNISHED FOR KILLING AN INNOCENT

Sep 24: After nine long years, an army informer has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the 4th Additional Judge Srinagar, for murdering an innocent youth in the year 1994, during a cordon and search operation.

    In a 17-page judgment in file number 12 sessions, on 23rd September, the 4th Additional Judge, Srinagar, held the convict Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai of Chandgam Pulwama, together with one Captain Sharma of 22 Grenadiers, had beaten to death Riyaz Ahmad Wani of Bhatnoor Pulwama during a cordon and search operation on September 13, 1994. He and Captain Sharma, hanged Riyaz Ahmad, from a tree and beat him viciously with canes.

    The accused Mushtaq was acting as informer and on 13-9-94 accompanied the troops to a village. The residents of the village were assembled at a Ziyarat Sharief near the village and conducted identification parade. During the parade, Riyaz Wani, 20, was picked up and beaten mercilessly whereby he sustained multiple injuries on the body and succumbed to his injuries while he was being taken to Srinagar hospital. According to prosecution witnesses, the accused and captain Sharma took him to a nearby tree and the villagers heard the cries of the deceased who during interrogation was crying that he was not a militant. But he was beaten and interrogated for about two and half hour, father of the deceased and some other witnesses pleaded the captain not to beat the deceased and set him free but he did not heed to their request. Even when the father tried to give the water to deceased he was not allowed to do so. According to some prosecution witness the accused and said Captain kept Riyaz hanging from a tree and were beating him with dandas (Cannes) on every part of the body including his private parts. Even Riyaz’s mother plea for mercy was turned down and instead she was kicked by the accused. After mercilessly beating the deceased the Captain Sharma called the numberdar and told the relatives to take away deceased who at that time was half dead. Riyaz was taken to the hospital at village Thab where a Docter Vinesh Kumar after examining him referred him to Srinagar hospital and en route he succumbed to injuries at village Lassiura, some 1 and half km from the village Batnoor.

    Thereafter the villagers lodged the report with DC Pulwama who endorsed the written report to Police Station Pulwama. The police arrived on the same day and took the body, a post mortem was conducted and doctors opined that the deceased had died due to incessant sustained torture causing various internal and external injuries, leading to neurogenic shock and cardiac respiratory arrest. The weapons of the offence (rope and cane) were already taken by the army, thereby causing the disappearance of evidence in the case. Police didn’t dare to demand these weapons of offence from the army.

    The court observed in its judgment that the accused has acted as the informer of army commandant Captain Sharma and both the accused and Captain Sharma had shared a common intention and the criminal act had been done in furtherance of their intentions, leading to the murder of the deceased. The accused was convicted under section 302/34 RPC (Ranbir Penal Code) and 323/34RPC. The court proposed sentence of life imprisonment to the accused. The accused was further sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 6 months and a fine of Rs. 500 under section 323/34of RPC. The case has been referred to High Court for the confirmation of sentence of life imprisonment. (This case illustrates the impunity the security forces are enjoying in Kashmir under armed forces special power act. Captain Sharma was not tried or implicated as accused by the police because the sanction is to be required from federal government. Nevertheless the captain of 22 BN Grenadiers was main motivator behind the crime leading to the death of Riyaz).

MAN SUCCUMBS TO INHUMAN TREATMENT

Sep 23: A youth of village Bagyal Dhara of district Poonch was allegedly beaten to death by army personnel. Tasver Hussain s/o Hassan Din Gujjar of Bagyal village was picked up by the Liaison Unit Jawans on September 1, 2003, from his residence and was beaten mercilessly by the army personnel with rifle butts due to which he received serious injuries. The army alleged that he was a sympathizer of militants and was acting as a guide for them. He was rushed to District Hospital, Poonch, from where he was referred to the GMC hospital. His conditions deteriorated every passing day and finally he breathed his last on 22nd September, around 12:30 pm.

FIRING BY ITBP: SHRC ISSUES NOTICES TO POLICE

Sep 5: Taking the suo moto cognizance of the firing incident allegedly by Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), upon the civilians at Islamabad in south Kashmir, the State Human Rights Commission (JKSHRC) issued notices to police higher ups directing them to file FIR against the ITBP.

    The full bench of SHRC comprising Chairman Justice A.Q. Parray, Qazi Muzaffar-ud-Din and G Q Mughal issued notices to the Director General of Police, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Senior Superintendent of Police Islamabad and commandant, ITBP 10 battalion, seeking their report on the case. While directing the concerned SSP to ensure registration of FIR against the ITBP men involved in the incident, and fixed October 21 as the next day of hearing.

    Four civilians including a police constable were injured when ITBP personnel allegedly opened fire on people in Hillar Kokernag in Islamabad district on August 30 when the police cop reportedly protested against the manner in which the ITBP men were frisking passengers of an Islamabad bound bus.

COLLEGE GIRL DIES IN SRINAGAR GRENADE ATTACK, 14 OTHERS INJURED

Sep 11: Unidentified person hurled a grenade in the heart of the city Lal Chowk, which resulted into the death of a college going girl on the spot and injuring 14 persons.

    At around 1:00 p.m. in the main hub of the city there was a grenade blast, which claimed the life of a college girl, Rehana Hamid on the spot while she was on her way back to home and fourteen persons were also injured of whom three sustained critical injuries. As soon as the chaos ended the injured were removed to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital. Later one of the injured succumbed to his injuries.

EXPLOSIONS

Sep 6: At least ten persons including two soldiers were killed and about thirty-five received injuries some of them critically in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in Fruit Market at Parimpora in central Kashmir. Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit claimed responsibility.

    Reports said, while people were busy in fruit market, all of sudden at around 10:00 a.m. an explosion rocked the whole area. After the explosion dozens of persons were lying on the ground of whom four were dead including two soldiers. The injured were rushed to the hospital where four more persons succumbed to their injuries.

    An army jeep carrying Brigadier along with his soldiers was targeted by the militants however, the brigadier and his two colleagues escaped injured. The blast was so powerful that the jeep turned turtle. The injured civilians in SMHS hospital when contacted alleged that four civilians were killed when the irked soldiers opened fire discriminately after the blast.

    The deceased civilians have been identified as Muhammad Ramzan Dar s/o Abdul Aziz Dar r/o Fruit Mandi, Bilal Ahmad Malik s/o Ghulam Ahmad Malik of Haripora (Haran) Ganderbal, Aijaz Ahmad Malik s/o Abdul Rahim r/o Haraypora, Budgam, Manzoor Ahmad Shah s/o Abdul Aziz r/o Chanpora, Javed Iqbal s/o Muhammad Sayed r/o Rajouri, Abdul Ahad s/o Muhammad Ismaiel r/o Fruit Mandi and Muhammad Ayoub Khuroo son-in-law Muhammad Ramzan Dar of Naglipora, Sopore.

    Hizbul Mujahideen, a militant outfit fighting Indian rule claimed the responsibility of the blast. And after few days the same outfit apologized for the blast. Meanwhile, in another explosion in Doda district two persons died when an army bus rolled down into a deep gorge under the impact of the blast. The deceased were the only occupants of the bus. The explosion took place at Chirala in Doda district around 11.45 a.m.

ALLEGED DISAPPEARANCES

* DISAPPEARANCE IN SOPORE-
A Report:
    Manzoor Ahmed Mir s/o Ghulam Ahmed Mir r/o Dulina, Baramulla was arrested on 7th of September and since then his whereabouts are not known.While speaking to Informative Missive Bashir Ahmed Mir, brother of Manzoor said, “on 7th September at 11 p.m., about 20 to 25 armed persons from 22 R.R. camp Dulina lead by Captain Atul Sharma alias Sameer, along with two renegades namely Manzoor Ahmed Mir and Mohammad Yousuf Mir of Dulina, Shiapora conducted a raid at our house.

    I was asked how many brothers we are. They searched the entire house and vandalized it. The members of the family were told to stay outside. The names of the men folk were asked and Manzoor Ahmed was picked up. Before taking him the army persons said that he is being taken for helping them during their search operation in other houses and he would be released soon. Manzoor was in his undershirt and trousers as he was going to sleep and that was the last we saw of him”.

    According to Bashir he visited the camp next day where he couldn’t meet the officers for the reasons that nearly 20 to 25 persons of different villages were busy in furnishing details to them about the current situation in their respective villages. “Two villagers from each village are bound to report to the army camp early in the morning and this practice is continuing there from last many years”, said Bashir.

    Bashir Ahmed Mir went to Police Station Baramulla where he filed an FIR. Again the relatives visited the army camp where the army told them that Manzoor would be released soon. According to the statement of Nayeema Bano, sister of Manzoor Ahmed Mir, “few women also visited the camp on the third day, where we were told to get father of Manzoor and the village head man, Mohammad Abdullah, and then he would be released they said”.

    On the same day at 5 p.m. five persons with hopes of releasing Manzoor Ahmed went to the camp and were shocked when the army informed them that they have not arrested any such person. The army categorically denied his arrest saying, “You can search the whole camp”. This angered the village headman and he said for four days they had been fooled. The Subedar caught hold of Ghulam Ahmed Mir father of Manzoor, and threatened to shoot him. Manzoor’s father responded that, “we will get our whole family and you shoot all of them”. The denial of the army about the arrest of Manzoor Ahmed Mir compelled the people of that area to hold the protest demonstration forcing the police to act. The police asked the family about the identity of the captain. The demonstration continued and hundreds of villagers blocked the National highway, which leads to Uri. The police made efforts with the C.O. to know the whereabouts of the arrestee. Instead C.O. accused people of making false allegations against the army and threatened to file a case against the relatives.

    Incidentally the Finance Minister of the state, Mr. M.H. Baig happened to pass the area to attend some official program. People swarmed around him. The Finance Minister delivered a lecture and promised to look into the matter and release the arrestee. Nayeema Bano sister of Manzoor accompanied the minister to the Dak Bunglow. A local political activist, Qazi Hakeem-ud-Din also informed the minister that the arrestee is innocent and is not even remotely connected with the on going militancy. The Minister rang the military official and after some time C.O. came to the Dak Bunglow but nothing tangible was done. The agitated protestors were cane charged. All Minister could do was that he instructed the S.P. to lodge FIR and the FIR number 224/2003 under section 364 RPC was lodged in the police station Baramulla (Normally Police hesitates registering cases against army). According to statement of Haseena w/o Manzoor Ahmed Mir her husband was a labourer and the family was sustaining on the daily earning of her husband. She stated that they have four children out of which one son Suhail Ahmed is handicapped. “Two months back there was a theft at my brother–in-law Bashir Ahmed’s shop. The culprits were arrested and handed over to police where they revealed the name of their accomplice who happened to be sons of a known renegade”. According to her that may be the reason for Manzoor’s arrest and the subsequent disappearance as the renegades had threatened them in the past that they will have to pay heavily for implicating them in the theft case.

* 40 YEAR OLD BARBER DISAPPEARS
    Whereabouts of a fourty-year-old barber of Fago, Doligam of Banihal are not known since 2nd September 2003, after unknown gunmen picked him up. His family searched him everywhere but without any success.

    Sources said, unidentified gunmen believed to be the militants picked up Abdul Gani son of Khaliq Hajam from his residential house on 2nd September and since then nothing has been known about his whereabouts. Abdul Gani Hajam reportedly has no connection with any militant group or with any security forces agency.

* FOUR MORE DISAPPEARANCES
    Four students from Uri reportedly disappeared after they left their homes on 7th September. They were last seen at Lal Chowk and since then nothing have been known about their whereabouts.

    Three 7th class students and a 6th class student from Noorkhah, Uri, Baramulla in north Kashmir left their homes and were last seen at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, in the heart of city and thereafter, their whereabouts are not known. They have been identified as Kofal Ahmad s/o Mohammad Rafiq Khan, Nair Ahmad s/o Mohammad Rafiq Awan, Hussain s/o Ali Haider and Mumtaz Ahmad.

* YOUTH DISAPPEARS
    Two youth were reportedly arrested by the joint posse of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Task Forces (STF) from Whanhama, Ganderbal, Srinagar on 8th September and since then the whereabouts of one of them is not known.

    Manzoor Ahmad Baba son of Abdul Rahim Baba and Fayaz Ahmad Baba son of late Abdul Ahad Baba were allegedly picked up by the joint posse of STF and RR. Later Fayaz Ahmad was released but the whereabouts of Manzoor Ahmad were not disclosed to his relatives.

    Relatives of Manzoor contacted the arresting agencies but to their shock they denied his arrest. Shocked by the denial, the family sought help from the authorities to secure his release as they fear about his welfare.

* MIDDLE AGED MAN DISAPPEARS IN CUSTODY
    One more custodial disappearance comes to light from Kupwara district of north Kashmir. A man arrested for having battery cells.

    Reportedly, a fourty-four year old man, Saif-ud-Din Khatana, son of Mehar Din Khatana of Vagbal, Kupwara was arrested by 6 RR troops on July 17, this year and since then his whereabouts remained a mystery. He was arrested for carrying pencil battery cells, which the army claimed are used by militants for violent activities. Family sources said, Saif was taken to custody by the troops where he was allegedly tortured and his whereabouts were not disclosed.

    The family was informed by a policeman that the soldiers brought him to police station Vilgam after 21 days of his arrest. He was in morbid condition and it seemed that some chemical or acid had been thrown on him. The soldiers wanted to hand over the body to the station, which the police refused, and the forces took Saif back unwillingly.

    Alarmed, the relatives rushed to the camp where the arrest was denied. Subsequently, when the family approached the police station for lodging FIR, the police refused to lodge it. When the relatives approached the president of ruling PDP Mehbooba Mufti, she assured his release, but so far nothing has been known about the fate of Saif.

* PATTAN YOUTH DISAPPEARS
Niyaz Ahmad Malik of Nehalpora, Pattan of Baramulla is reportedly missing since 30th August.

* BOY DISAPPEARS
A ninth class student, Amir Ahmad Reshi son of Ghulam Mohammad Reshi of Botu Bandipora, Baramulla is reportedly missing since 17th September 2003.

* FIFTY-SEVEN YEAR OLD MAN DISAPPEARS
Fifty-seven year old man was reportedly picked up by the personnel of 31 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) from Handwara on 30th September this year and since then his whereabouts have not been disclosed to his relatives.

    Ghulam Hassan Sheikh of Hanga was allegedly arrested by 31 RR near Langate camp at around 9:30 am for unknown reasons when he was on his way to Handwara. Subsequently, the same forces conducted a raid at Hassan’s residence where they ransacked the whole house and threatened the inmates of dire consequences. It is pertinent to mention here that one of Hassan’s sons is languishing in Merut jail under Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA).

    His relatives and neighbourers expressed serious concern over his welfare and demanded his immediate release from the RR custody, as he is not remotely affiliated with any militant outfit. In connection with Hassan’s release Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Handwara repeatedly met the concerned army but they claimed the recovery of arms from Hassan’s possession. However, the SDPO refuted this allegation.

MOLESTATION BY SOLDIERS SPARKS OFF PROTEST IN RAJOURI
Sep 5: Residents of Kallar village protested the alleged molestation of female members and beating of male members of a family by soldiers. The protesters also alleged that the soldiers destroyed their crops. The residents gathered at Khabnan and blocked the Rajouri-Thanamadi road for about 5 hours.

    The protest demonstration ceased after an assurance by a senior officer that action will be taken against the erring soldiers and compensation will be provided to the affected parties for the damaged crops. Hakim Jan wife of Mohammed Bashir said three soldiers entered into her house and dragged her out with the intention of molesting her. She however tried to resist but was overpowered by the soldiers. Then the jawans entered the house and placed AK-47 rifle and some ammunition in a room to make it a pretext for harassing the family she said. However after sometime they left the place.

    In a similar incident, soldiers allegedly molested three female members. They have been identified as Nazeer begum, Gulzaarda and Rabina Akhtar. The male members who were thrashed have been identified as Javed Ahktar (25) s/o Shabu-din, Mir Muhammed s/o of Kallu and Mistri Mohd Iqbal s/o Dost Mohammed. They also stated that their crop had been destroyed by the soldiers.

10 YOUTH SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

Sep 9: For the first time in the history of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir State, the court sentenced ten militants to life.The accused are also convicted for the commission of offence under section 7/25 Arms Act and have been awarded rigorous imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 5000/-each.

    In the 60 pages judgment the Principal Session Judge, Jammu, Subhash Chander Gupta has awarded life imprisonment to Maqbool Hussein s/o Mir Muhammed, R/o village Gohald, Tahsil Mendhar, Ghulam Muhammed Wani S/o Ghulam Nabi Wani, R/o Nassar Pora, Pulwama, Mohammed Hussain S/o Hadhmat R/o Sangarwayee, Pulwama, Muhammed Yousuf S/o Fateh Muhammed R/o Ashkoza, Pulwama, Kaka S/o Abdul Gujjar R/o Nassar Pora, Pulwama, Muhammed Aslam S/o Kamal Din R/o Thanamandi Rajouri, Barket Hussain S/o Nek Muhammed R/o Dhanari ,Pulwama and Muhammed Shafi S/o Abdul Karim R/o Qazipora, Pulwama who were arrested by the Mendhar Police under FIR no. 164 of 1995 during an encounter in which one of the militants Maqbool Hussein, leader of the group received critical injuries.

    The police had recovered large number of arm and ammunitions on the information of the militants. The court has also awarded ten years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 20000/- to Lal Hussein under section 120-B, RPC, the allegation against the accused was that he had provided shelter to the militant groups in his house.

IED CAUSALITIES

* SPO KILLED
September 9: A Special Police Officer (SPO) was killed when an Improvise Explosive Device (IED) exploded at Doni, Garhatier, Doda district. The deceased was identified as Babu Ram. A case has been registered in this connection.

* 1 KILLED, 1 INJURED IN LANDMINE BLAST
Sep 10: One person died when he accidentally stepped on a landmine at Rajeetpora, Jammu, and another was injured critically. The deceased has been identified as Manghat Ram son of Bishen Das of Rajeetpora and the injured as Rakesh Kumar.

* IED KILLS SPO
Sep 24: An Improvise Explosive Device (IED) claimed the life of a Special Police Officer (SPO) on the spot at Gandoh area in district Doda.

    Militants triggered an IED by a remote control when a police party comprising four to five SPO’s was returning after carrying a search operation in upper reaches of Gandoh. Soon after the police party reached the track near Mlonoo, the militants’ triggered an IED, which blew to pieces an SPO. The deceased has been identified as Kuldeep Singh son of Prem Chand of Indloo Thatrhri.

ALLEGED EXCESSES

Sep 15: Accusing the army personnel of committing excesses in their area, the inhabitants of Tangwari, Kulgam and Awoora villages of Kupwara district in north Kashmir expressed serious concern for their safety. The soldiers allegedly dragged people without any reason and gave them a severe thrashing.

BANDIPORA EXCESSES

Sep 20: Inhabitants of several areas of Bandipora, allegedly migrated to other places of the valley for security in wake of stringent restrictions enforced by the troops deployed in the area.

    Reports said, an officer from the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) of Argam camp instructed the residents of Kawnoo, Malikpora, Brar, Karoora, Chatti Bandipora and adjacent areas not to venture out of their homes after 7:00 pm in the evening. People have been directed to give the number of family members and accordingly inform the RR camp in case if any guest or relative visits them. Troops reportedly barged in number of houses and without asking anything beat the inmates heedlessly. The migration of residents is directly affecting their crops and livestock but they say they are migrating, as they fear for their lives.

    Dozens of people were beaten up by troops in Kawnoo area resulting in injury to two women, Janti and Noor Begum and several other civilians. Some of them have been identified as Gula Mir, Rahman Mir, Abdul Gafar Najar, Ramzan Mir and Ashraf Gujjar. The troops of Aloosa camp allegedly harass the residents on different pretexts. Civilians are asked absurd questions during the searches. Women are afraid of venturing out of their homes as the troops hurl derogatory remarks.

    Besides, the residents of Alloosa, Kethsan, Chichinar, Helmathpora, Sheikh Muqam and other areas have been subjected to similar treatment by the forces, which forced them to migrate.

DETENUES KILLED NEAR LOC: HM

Sep15: Spokesman of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) guerilla outfit refuted the Border Security Forces claim that two Hizbul Mujahideen guerillas were arrested at Waga International Border. Spokesman added that the forces martyred prisoners near the border and claimed them as guerillas in front of media. These claims have no connection with reality and the prisoners were killed near the ceasefire line and international border to hoodwink the international community that the infiltration continues unabated.

CHILD KIDNAPPED, ACID THROWN

Sep16: A six-year-old child and student of Burn Hall School was kidnapped by three Maruti borne men and later sprinkled acid on his face.

    Three unidentified person kidnapped Atif yakeen, a student of Ist standard, when they went to his school and told his teacher that they were sent by Atif’s father to fetch him to home. Two of the persons were in police uniform. Thereafter, the child was dropped at Sanat Nagar bypass after few hours and acid was sprinkled on his face, the burn injuries were visible on his face. Atif was later taken to a doctor who confirmed that acid or some chemical was splashed on his face. “I was beaten and some liquid was thrown on my face”, the victim said. A case has been registered. The cause behind this crime could not be ascertained.

2 KASHMIRIS ARRESTED IN JALANDHAR

Sep 18: Two Kashmiri youth were arrested in Jalandhar by joint posse of army and railway police when they were traveling by the New Delhi-bound Jhelum express.

    Army and railway police cordoned off a platform of Jalandhar city railway station at around 2:20 a.m. and arrested two persons after searching a specific bogie of the train. Both youth are from Srinagar and were identified as Ajaz Ahmed Batloo, resident of Batmaloo and Syed Muhammad Saleem, resident of Bemina. They have been accused of indulging in militancy related activities. Reports said that the army had informed the railway police about the duo’s travel and accordingly the joint operation was conducted and both were arrested.

KILLINGS IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

WOMEN – CHILDREN KILLED
Sep 2: A woman identified as Fatima w/o Muneer Ahmad of Chambalvas, Banihal was killed when a group of gunmen intruded in her residential house and opened fire indiscriminately at the inmates. Besides, Fatima four other members of family were also killed.

*Meanwhile, an infant was killed when militants allegedly blasted a bus carrying soldiers by triggering an IED.

Sep 4: A woman was killed and three children injured when militants allegedly fired on them inside their residential house at Poonch when they refused to open the door.
The deceased has been identified as Zubeeda Parveen, 28, w/o Mohammad Ishaq.
Sep 9: A minor girl lost her life when a militant allegedly hurled a grenade towards the district police lines (DPL) Doda. Missing the intended targeted the grenade exploded on the roadside killing Heena Akthar daughter of Ghulam Nabi of Akramabad, Doda.
Sep 18: A woman was allegedly shot dead by the security forces at Kralpora, Kupwara while she was walking in her field. The identification of deceased was not confirmed.
Sep 21: Unidentified gunmen shot dead a woman at Lolab, Kupwara in North Kashmir. The deceased was identified as Musmat Rehana wife of Bashir Ahmad.
Sep 28: An infant was killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire indiscriminately inside the residential house of a Special Police officer at Mahore near Dak Bungalow in Unhampur district of Jammu.
The deceased was identified as Sadam Hussain.

CHRONOLOGY OF SEPTEMBER INCIDENTS
Sep 1 Six militants, two soldiers and six civilians were killed in different violence related incidents across the state.
Sep 2 Five militants, seven civilians and a policeman died in separate incidents of violence across the state.
Sep 3 Nine militants, three soldiers and two civilians were killed in different incidents of violence.
Sep 4 Seven militants and a woman were killed while three children received injuries in separate incidents of violence.
Sep 5 Eight militants, two soldiers, a pro-government militant and two civilians were killed in different incidents of violence.
Sep 6 Two soldiers, three militants and eight civilians were killed in various violence related incidents across the state.
Sep 7 Two militants, a police constable, a soldier and a suspected army informer were killed in various violence related incidents.
Sep 8 Two militants were killed in violence related incident.
Sep 9 Six militants, an ex-serviceman, two policemen and three civilians including a girl died in various incidents of violence.
Sep 10 Six militants, a Congress leader and three civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence across the state.
Sep 11 An ex-serviceman, a militant and three civilians including a girl were killed across the state in various violence related incidents.
Sep 12 Five militants, soldier and a civilian died in various incidents of violence at separate places.
Sep 13 Four soldiers, army officer, fourteen militants, three civilians, chief of counter insurgency and his three associates were killed in separate incidents of violence across the state.
Sep 14 Eight militants, two soldiers and a civilian was killed in violence related incidents.
Sep 15 Militant, VDC member, a cop and two civilians were killed in various incidents.
Sep 16 Eight militants, two soldiers, a civilian and a security forces informer died in several incidents of violence.
Sep 17 Eleven militants, two soldiers and two civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Sep 18 Seventeen militants, two soldiers, SPO and three civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Sep 19 Five militants and three civilians were killed in separate incidents of bloodshed.
Sep 20 Twelve militants, two soldiers including a JCO and four civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence across the state.
Sep 21 Nine militants, seven civilians including a woman, a Junior Commissioned Officer and a RAW officer were killed in various incidents of violence.
Sep 22 A Junior Commissioned Officer, nine militants and two civilians killed in separate incidents of violence.
Sep 23 Two soldiers, eight militants and three civilians were killed in different incidents of bloodshed.
Sep 24 Army Captain, a SPO, ten militants and a released militant were killed across the state.
Sep 25 Eight militants, army man and civilian were killed in different violence related incidents across the state.
Sep 26 Eight militants, Special Police Officer and a civilian died in separate incidents of violence.
Sep 27 Army personnel, five militants and a civilian were killed in various incidents of violence.
Sep 28 A soldier, a Special Police Officer, five militants and four civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Sep 29 Eighteen militants and three soldiers were killed in various violence related incidents.
Sep 30 Two soldiers, a Special Police Officer and two militants were killed in separate incidents of violence across the state.

Sep 2

Sep 4

Sep 7

Sep 8

Sep 9

Sep 12

Sep 15

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 21

Sep 28

Sep 30

TOTAL

KILLINGS IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

SOLDIERS

Sep 1

TOTAL

DATE	EXTRA JUDICIAL EXECUTIONS	WOMEN	CHILDREN	ALLEGED DISAPPEARANCES
Sep 2	-	1	1	1
Sep 4	1	1
Sep 7	-	-	-	5
Sep 8	-	-	-	1
Sep 9	-	-	1	-
Sep 12	1
Sep 15	2
Sep 17	-	-	-	1
Sep 18		1
Sep 21		1
Sep 28	-	-	1	-
Sep 30	-	-	-	1
TOTAL	4	4	3	9

DATE	SOLDIERS	MILITANTS	CIVILIANS	OTHERS
Sep 1	2	6	6	-
Sep 2	1	5	6	-
Sep 3	3	9	1	-
Sep 4	-	7	1	-
Sep 5	2	8	2	1 pro-government militant
Sep 6	2	3	8	-
Sep 7	2	2	-	1
Sep 8	-	2	-	-
Sep 9	2	6	3	1 ex-serviceman
Sep 10	-	6	3	1 Congress leader
Sep 11	-	1	3	1 ex-serviceman
Sep 12	1	5	1	-
Sep 13	4 (1 officer)	14	3	4 counter insurgents
Sep 14	2	8	1	-
Sep 15	2	1	2	-
Sep 16	2	8	1	1 security forces informer
Sep 17	2	11	2	-
Sep 18	3	17	3	-
Sep 19	-	5	3	-
Sep 20	2 (1JCO)	12	4	-
Sep 21	1 JCO	9	7	1 RAW officer
Sep 22	1 JCO	14	2	-
Sep 23	2	8	3	-
Sep 24	2 (1 army captain)	10	-	1 released militant
Sep 25	1	8	1	-
Sep 26	1	8	1	-
Sep 27	1	8	1	-
Sep 28	2	5	4	-
Sep 29	3	29	-	-
Sep 30	3	2	-	-
TOTAL	49 (5 officers)	237	72	9