InThis Issue

Editorial           CHEAPEST KILLINGS

The Governor during his meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner, Lucie Edwards in Srinagar this month has emphasized that the record of army in combating militancy in the state has been very commendable. Compared to the record of US army in Vietnam and Iraq or of Pakistan army in East Pakistan, in Baluchistan in 1971-73, or recently in Wana area of Waziristan, the conduct of Indian army has been for euphoria, unlike the role of these armies in counter- militancy operations, the Indian army has never used heavy weapons like artillery or offensive air power against militants. The cases of human rights violations are being severely dealt with.

This statement is partly true. The United States has used the most lethal and sophisticated weaponry including B-52 bombers to occupy Iraq that too in a war, but the number of the killings in Iraq would be even less than the number of the disappeared persons in Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan during Bhutto’s regime had bombarded the Baluchistan, which is the sad chapter of Pakistan’s history, but what was the number of the people killed there? The question is not the weaponry used in war or proxy war but the number of the people got killed and the suffering inflicted on them curtained. Without using the lethal weaponry, or without rolling tanks in the streets or using air strikes as Israel is doing in Palestine, the Indian army has the credit of killing maximum number of people by using small arms. They have used least weaponry with maximum killing rate. United States or Israel should learn from India the art of cheapest killings. During fourteen years 80 to 90,000 people have got killed in Kashmir and nearly 8000 people disappeared. Even the number of disappearances alone is double than the disappearances taken place in Chile during the Pinochet’s regime and are double than the disappearances in Philippines during the Marcos regime. The disappearance of people needs not even small weaponry. All this is possible because of the massive presence of the army in the Jammu & Kashmir state. Even admitted by the European parliamentarians Committee of Foreign Affairs in their report - recommendations released this month in Brussels after their visit to two parts of Kashmir that approximately their one soldier to every ten civilian in Indian administered Kashmir

In early 90’s the army used to resort to massacres – Gowkadal, Bijbehara, Sopore etc. which invited wide scale condemnation and as they can’t afford to do it now, so the tactic is changed and the State policy is to eliminate combatants and non combatant Kashmiris with a slow degree so that it appears normal and is acceptable to the human mind. The Governor Sinha’s statement to the Canadian High Commissioner is untenable as example he has mentioned is during wartime. They hail Noam Chomsky for speaking truth about America or Edward Said and even Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson has kicked of a non-violent agitation to support Palestinian movement against Israeli occupation but the same people are silent over the issue of Kashmir. They Even in wartime in Iraq, Vietnam or Palestine or other places the number of army has been far lesser than the Indian army in Kashmir.

What happens in Kashmir is not even being recognised as non – International armed conflict by the Government of India but merely a ‘law and order’ problem. And for restoring the ‘law and order’ problem, more half of the Indian army has been pressed into service equipped with impunity laws. As far his statement regarding the human rights violations is concerned. The army is enjoying the impunity under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, the National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission has no mandate over the army, there is no question of severely dealing with the culpable officials neither by judiciary, nor by the army courts. The statements made at different times by the Governments, Ministers, the police and army officials regarding the punishments to the army officials involved in severe human rights violations are contradictory and have never been made public. Even the scandals in army regarding fake encounters for Presidential awards, which have leaked to the press, are being covered up in the name of the National Integrity. Everything not only the democracy, everything morality, legality and Institutional accountability stops operating when it comes to the Kashmir affair. Even the Indian conscience objectors remain silent and behave as three proverbial monkeys. The Indian mindset is to justify every unjustifiable as far as Kashmir is concerned.

BAR REPORT

    The High Court Bar Association Srinagar sent a team comprising the President Mian Abdul Qayoom, Joint Secretary Bashir Siddiq and executive member Showkat Ahmed Khan after learning through press that the inmates in the Kot Bhalwal Jail, Jammu are on hunger strike from last one month. The team met the inmates on 13th of July. They recorded their statements and prepared the following report:

    Like other jails the inmates of the Kot Bhalwal jail are not produced in the courts giving impression to the inmates that they are being punished without any sentence. The inmates demand that if the cases have been filed against them, they be tried or if there are no cases then they be released. Otherwise their constant incarceration without speedy trial amounts to violation of human rights. In Kot Bhalwal jail besides other detenues there are 43 inmates from Kupwara district, out of which no cases have been filed against 16 detenues. Their names are as under: -

    One inmate Ghulam Rasool Shah stated to the team that, he is student of Islamia University Barooch, on 13th of November 2000 he had returned to home to celebrate Eid after one year. At bus station Jammu he was arrested and booked under FIR no 215/00 and also booked under Public Safety Act (PSA). After the expiry of the detention period in PSA on 15th March 2003 he was handed over to Kupwara Police who booked him under two FIRs; 58/02 and 88/03. Then again he was booked under PSA and sent to Kot Bhalwal jail. Though the Police have presented challan (case) in the court but he has never been produced in the court.

    There are other 16 inmates against whom the cases have been filed in the courts but they have only been produced once or twice before the court during hearings. The inmates hold the SSP Kupwara and Handwara responsible for not producing them before the courts. The court orders for producing the accused in courts are been thrown in dustbins. The police justifies that they have no escort or money to do the needful. The inmates are saying that if police has no money or escort to bring the inmates from the far-flung jail to court then why are they not been lodged in the district jail in Baramulla. The inmates demand that the Government of Kashmir should further constitute special cell like Delhi and other states exclusively meant for taking the inmates to the courts. The detenues allege that the Government should take stern action against the officers who are smuggling the timber and are carrying it to other states but are unable to transport the inmates. The inmates allege that recently the SP Kupwara has been able to smuggle timber to his residence at Jammu but is unable to take us to courts.

    One inmate, Ajaz Ahmed from Batakote, Handwara stated that he was digging out sand from the river on 17-04-2004 when he was approached by two police men who told him that Altaf Khan SDPO Handwara has called him. Then without any reasons he was detained. When Ajaz asked for his detention he was told by SDPO to send his wife and they will tell her. Ajaz refused sending her wife to Police Station and then he was booked under PSA and sent to Kot Bhalwal jail. No case has been filed against him neither he has been produced before any court.

    Ghulam Rasool Hajam, Handwara stated to the team that he was arrested by the 30th RR on September 2000 and handed over to Handwara Police, which booked him under 212 RPC. He was released on bail on 4 March 2004. Then on the same day Altaf Khan the SDPO, Handwara Police Station called him to the Police Station where he was detained and was told to tell his wife to arrange rupees 70,000, only then he will be released. The family could only arrange rupees 30,000, which was given to the Hawaldar, despite he was booked under PSA.

    One inmate Fayaz Ahmed War told the team that few days back he had ache in his ear for which he had sought the medical help. Then he was sent to BPL where the doctors inserted screwdriver in his ear. Objecting this treatment, he was told by the doctor that Kashmiris deserved this treatment. His ear started bleeding profusely and then he was sent back to the jail.

    One jail inmate Mohammad Shafi Lone informed the team that he was working as the mechanic in Handwara. One day he was asked by the SDPO Altaf Khan to repair his vehicle. On reaching the police station he was arrested and later booked under PSA.

    One Ashraf Gojri, Handwara informed the team that on 12-02-04 two police constables arrested him and finally he was detained under PSA.

    The inmates from Kupwara district accuse lawyers of Kupwara that they are avoiding to take up their cases. Several lawyers were approached for taking up those cases and when the accused were brought to the court the lawyers avoided even to meet them.

    The inmates are on hunger strike in protest for not presenting them before the courts. Though the Jail superintendent had assured them that there grievances would be brought to the notice of higher authorities, but the inmates have no trust on the jail superintendent.

There are international guidelines regarding the prisoners, “The insane detenues cannot be kept in jail. In every jail there should be doctors. All prisoners should have the right to have the access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation.”

    The team of the Bar Association assured them that their plight would be highlighted in the local press and a report would be sent to international human rights organisations. On the persuasion of the Bar they ended their hunger strike but stated that they will again go to hunger strike if there demands are not met.

    The Bar Association team also learnt that on 23rd of June 2004 some foreign militants have also resorted to hunger strike. Their demand was that since there are no cases filed against them in the court of law so they should be sent back to their country according to the Supreme Court judgement. After their meeting with the Deputy Secretary Home and DIG they requested them to send some Human Rights groups in the jails. The officials assured them they would allow Human Rights Groups to meet them. They ended their hunger strike on that commitment which was not fulfilled. The foreign inmates had further told the authorities that the Indian prisoners in Lahore court Lakhpat jail had also resorted to hunger strike and later they were sent back to India. They wanted a similar treatment.

    In Kot Bhalwal jail there are 30 Pakistani and Afghani prisoners out of which four have turned insane and most of them have completed the sentences of the offences they have been charged.

    One insane Afghani detenue who was supported by the three detenues whispered to the team “Is killing allowed in jails”.

    According to international humanitarian law an untried shall be allowed to visit by his doctor.
The Bar Association thereafter decided to sit on the hunger strike on 19th of July. Many lawyers in the Saddar Court joined the hunger strike. The Bar Association condemned the barbaric and the inhuman treatment meted out to the prisoners in the jail.

HANDWARA TENSE; PEOPLE DEMAND PROBE INTO GIRL’S TORTURE

Handwara, July 9: According to local news agency, SDPO Handwara, Altaf Hussain and lady SPO Haleema, Sunday picked up a 10th class student Haseena d/o Ghulam Muhammad Dar of Zachaldara, Handwara from High school Wazuldara, Zachaldara and allegedly beat and humiliated her in police station Handwara.

    The girl was admitted in SMHS hospital with severe injuries. The people said the SDPO interrogated the girl for three hours and used brute force resulting in critical injuries to the girl. When contacted, SDPO termed the reports as ‘baseless’ and said the girl was involved in the murder of a CRPF man, Mushtaq Ahmad.

    Hundreds of people including students from Degree College Handwara, Boys Higher Secondary School and Girls Higher Secondary School staged a protest against the torture the girl, by two police officers. Protestors amidst slogans like “Save our dignity and Chastity,” demanded probe into the incident. Police entered college premises and used force on the demonstrators.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was arrested near Tapar while on his way to address a public meeting at Handwara. Geelani was heading to Handwara for addressing the protestors who were demanding probe into girl’s torture.

    The people, while demanding immediate suspension of the SDPO said the girl student was innocent and was being deliberately targeted by the police officials for no fault of hers.

    Police fired in air, lobbed tear gas shells and cane charged the students, injuring 33 students including 17 girls of Degree College Handwara. Police also arrested many students. Several injured students were shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment.

    Moreover, traders and Bar Association Handwara also participated in the demonstration and demanded probe into the incident.

    Later in the day protestors assembled again outside the DC office Kupwara along with some injured students and demanded strict action against Sub Inspector Tanveer Ahmad and SDPO Altaf Khan. People accuse the duo of indulging in ‘inhumane torture’ of the girl.

    According to police the girl was involved in the murder of a policeman, a version, which the residents say, is ridiculous. The people have threatened to continue with protests till the culprits involved are brought to book.

    The protests demonstrations continued for several days.

    Intervening in the incident, Minister for Forest and Environment, Ghulam Mohiuddin Sofi raised the issue of the torture with Director General of Police and sought transfer of the erring cops. He demanded an inquiry by some senior police officer into the incident. The minister also condemned the police action against the peaceful demonstration. Later, DIG Baramulla visited the area to take stock of the situation.

SHRC FIGURES BLAST GOVERNMENT CLAIMS
‘Highest Rights Abuses In 7 Years’

Srinagar, July 11: Belying the tall claims of the PDP-led coalition of having minimized the Human Rights violations in the State, this year the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has come up with figures showing highest number of Human Rights violation cases in last seven years.

    A report issued by the SHRC reveals 672 human rights violation cases recorded from April 2003 to June this year, which is the highest since the Commission came into being in 1997.

    However, the actual cases are believed to be higher than recorded by SHRC as the Commission only records the cases that are reported to it. Nevertheless, the statistics assume much significance owing to the fact that the commission is a Government – controlled body.

    The major HR violations cases received by the Commission comprise 29 of custodial death, 65 of harassment, 82 disappearances, 44 – death compensation, 133 ex-gratia relief, 8 murder, 3 rape cases and 28 inquiries in cases of human rights abuses. Besides, there are other 71 cases. In April, May and till mid June this year, the Commission received 34, 37 and 26 cases of rights violations respectively. Last year 50 cases of harassment, 12 of custodial deaths, 73 of disappearances and 26 cases of death compensation were registered.

    An analysis of the records of SHRC reveals that in 1997-98 the Commission received just 51 cases of rights violations. In 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, the Commission received 227, 309, 497, 474 and 482 cases respectively.

    If unofficial reports are to be believed, 345 civilians have been killed since January this year alone, 57 people allegedly killed in custody, 110 persons subjected to enforced disappearances, 18 women subjected to rape and molestation, 110 houses blasted and 1637 people arrested.

    According to the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), since Mufti took over as CM, 132 cases of enforced disappearances, 68 custodial killings have been registered.

    Interestingly in a recent interview with a local daily, Mufti Sayeed gave a clean chit to the security forces by saying, "You see yourself there is security of life. People move around and there is no harassment by the security forces."

    Contradicting the claims of the CM, the largest coalition partner, Congress, has also expressed resentment over the increase in incidents of human rights and blamed Mufti for the same, accusing him of patronizing the forces by granting higher posts to tainted officers.

    Reacting over the gross human rights violations, the patron of APDP and human rights activist, Parvez Imroz said, "Let the people know who is ruling the state. Mufti or the forces? The latter have spread a reign of terror and there is no control on them?" "Thousands of people have been subjected to custodial deaths and disappearances, and as many are languishing in jails without trial and about 200 soldiers accused of rights violation are moving freely by virtue of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act", said Imroz.

    It has been learnt that SHRC has taken strong notice of the rights violation and has written to the Law Ministry to make the Commission autonomous and to give it some teeth to deal strongly with the violators of human rights. It has also been learnt that in the coming assembly session, the empowerment of SHRC would be discussed.

    Asked about the development, SHRC chairperson, A. M. Mir, accepted taking up the matter with the Law Ministry. He said the Commission had written to the Law Ministry to empower the Commission with same powers as the court of law enjoyed, so that the people could get prompt justice in cases of human rights violations. The Commission hopes the amendments would be moved soon.

    It is pertinent to mention that SHRC has only recommendatory powers. Besides the Commission enjoys the power to review the safeguards provided by the constitution. Talking to Informative Missive the chairperson accepted that there has been a rise in the human rights violations in the state. "It is very unfortunate that the violations are increasing despite the fact that time and again the Commission had recommended stringent action against the guilty."

    "The Commission will not let the people suffer anymore. But the Commission cannot do anything alone as it lacks infrastructure and manpower", he said adding the Commission would welcome any cooperation of NGOs and associations working against human rights violations.

PEACEFUL RALLY BY RELATIVES OF DISAPPEARED
Action waited against erring army personnel

SRINAGAR, July 25: Wali Mohammad Mir, a resident of Wadder Payeen-Handwara, Kupwara is carrying a stigma as his two daughters gave birth to babies in an army camp. This unfortunate incident took place some four and a half years back and inspite of this heinous crime; action is yet to be taken against the erring army men who "arrested the two girls without any substance".
"My daughters namely Shameeli and Saja were in the army camp for ten days during the crackdown and both of them gave birth to the babies and both the infants died after some time they were molested, said Mir during a silent rally to protest against the Human Rights abuses and custodial disappearances at the Sher-i-Kashmir Park. The rally was organised by the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP).

On 25^th of every month, the APDP activists sit in the Sher e Kashmir Park. The families of different EID persons are participating in the sit in. They interacted with the Journalists. The basic purpose is to highlight the plight of people.

    "The security forces personnel belonging to the 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) carried out a crackdown on our village consecutively for 10 days and during the crackdown my daughters were ordered to be present at the camp", said this aged man from the Kupwara district. He added that both his daughters were married and both of them lost their kids immediately after giving birth to them.

    Mir said that when he raised this issue with the higher officers with the 21 RR, he was threatened of dire consequences and it did not take much time for him to see the consequences. "I had to face the brunt of the forces action as 91 kanals of my cultivable land was taken over by them. They also took complete control of the maize and the pulses which I had grown in my land", he added.

    It was after sometime that I decided to approach the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and I got a fractured verdict in my favour after more than four years. "The SHRC has issued orders to give me back half of my land, but the decision on the other half is yet to be taken", he added.

    Running high on emotions, this aged man from the frontier district of Kupwara stated that he is yet to take the possession of the land, which he has been ordered to take over. He added that the SHRC in its decision has indicted the then deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, DSP Handwara Shaan, Major Suri of 21 RR, Captain Malik of 21 RR and the Assistant Commissioner of Kupwara.

    "I have just one son and even he is not being spared by the security forces as he is being interrogated by them according to their own wishes", said Mir. He added that ten persons of this village are being hired as bonded labourers by the security forces on regular basis.

    For Sarwa Begum of Shahkote – Uri, Baramulla it is yet to be known who has picked his son nine years ago. "My son Ghulam Jeelani was a labourer and was working in another village which is some four kilometres away from our place", said Sarwa. She added that it is yet to be known which agency has picked my son.

    "When we contacted the local army unit and the police station, they feigned ignorance about the disappearance of my son. Although, the deputy Commissioner Baramulla ordered the police to look out for my son but despite that I am yet to see the face of my son", said this middle aged lady as tears roll down on her cheeks.

    Sarwa said that her family is facing a lot of hardships since the sole bread earner of the family has gone missing and that her husband has his right arm crippled from the last 20 years. She added that at times it becomes all the more difficult to come to the city since they do not have enough money with them.
Recalling her old days this middle-aged lady said that his son was 18 years old when went missing nine years ago. She added that her two daughters are waiting for the marriage, but cannot do so as she has not the required money to complete the formalities of the marriage.

    Sarwa said that a case has already been filed with the SHRC but there has been no action from the Commission even after four years of lodging the case. She added that it gets very difficult to pass the life and sometimes the family is not able to make the two ends meet.

    For Ghulam Nabi Sheikh of Kupwara the letters written by his son from the Maidanpora army camp are the only memories, which he recollects in this old age. His son Mohammad Akbar Sheikh was arrested in 1992 and was lodged in the army camp at Maidanpora. He used to contact the family members for some time through but soon afterwards he was shifted to an unknown place.

    "I took out the newspapers of 1992 and showed the photo of my son to the various police stations and the army camps located across the length and breadth of state", said Sheikh while being emotional about the disappearance of his son. He added that Akbar's younger brother Firdous Ahmad was killed after a year of his disappearance.

    This old aged man said that he has raised the disappearance of his son with the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, but still there has been no breakthrough and his son continues to be missing. He added that he has already lodged a case with the court but there has been no hearing from the last two years. The agony is more for Sanaullah Dar, a resident of Wehil, Shopian as his son is missing from the last 14 years. His son Gulzar Ahmad Dar was running a shop in his village and gone missing from his shop in 1990, but it is not known which agency has picked him up.

    "Due to our misfortune the police station where I had lodged an FIR about the disappearance of my son was burnt down after a few days", said Sanaullah. He added that after the incident we contacted each and every police and security official, but to no avail.

    Taja, r/o Wagam, Bandipora is yet to recover from the shock, which she received when she learnt that her 17-year-old son Bashir Ahmad Sofi has gone missing. She said that Bashir a carpet weaver had gone out of his house on that fateful day ten years ago and since then nobody knows where he has vanished. "My son was innocent and had nothing to do with militancy. The effect of the custodial disappearance of my son took the life of my husband as he could not recover from the shock", said this middle-aged lady while breaking down. She added that her son might have been arrested in the crackdown, which was launched during the afternoon of that fateful day.

    For Raja, a resident of Batmaloo the memories of his disappeared son still linger fresh in her mind. "It was on March 30, 1997 my son Nisar Ahmad was arrested by the 20 Grenadiers stationed at the Boatmen colony, Bemina", said Raja. Raja said that Nisar, a tailor master was 18 years old when the Grenadiers picked him up. She added that her son was picked up by the army as they were on look out for a militant namely Hanief Dar who used to live in the nearby locality.

    "When the army men came they were asking my son about the whereabouts of Hanief Dar and when he said that he is not aware they took him along with themselves", said the lady from Batmaloo. She added that the SHRC issued a relief of Rs one lakh in her favour on the condition that once her son returns the relief amount would have to be returned.

    "The government has offered to provide a job to one of my three daughters but for that they need a death certificate", said Raja. She added that the employees at the Deputy Commissioner's office are demanding her an amount of Rs 20,000 so that a death certificate is issued, but she questions that how can death certificate be issued in favour of a person who is not declared dead. The wife of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan a mother of four kids is yet to believe that her husband has gone missing. A resident of Tengapora, Batmaloo this lady is yet to take relief from the Government as the case is pending with the SHRC. The agency involved is the 20 Grenadiers stationed at Boatmen Colony, Bemina.

    Mohammad Abbas r/o Behnipora-Handwara, Kupwara was taken by the army at Drugmulla four years ago and since then he continues to be under their detention. His wife, Saleema said that the army accepted that Abbas has been arrested and demanded Rs 10,000 so that Abbas is shifted to the Central Jail in Srinagar.

    "We managed an amount of Rs 10,000, but still my husband was not shifted to the Central Jail and we continue to face problems. Ours is a huge family and we have to ensure that the kids are given proper education", said Saleema. She added that the family is living in miserable conditions and there are very few people who are willing to help during the time of distress and pain.

    The security forces arrested Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Handwara during a crackdown and at that time the security forces personnel did say that he would be back in a short time. "The family was informed by the security forces personnel that my husband would be back after delivering some fruit boxes at a nearby camp", said Saleema, Mir's wife.

    Saleema added that she has already lodged a case with the SHRC but was very disappointed since there is no follow up of the case. "We are yet to see the light of day when my husband would make a comeback and would be among his kids", said Mir's wife.

YOUTH KILLED IN FAKE ENCOUNTER, LABELLED TERRORIST

New Delhi, July 19: BSF Commandant in Kashmir purportedly to claim gallantry medal allegedly killed a youth.

    The allegation about the incident of September 8, 2003, sent shock waves across the BSF establishment and its Director General Ajai Raj Sharma, who ordered a Court of Inquiry (COI) against Commandant Narendra Singh after shunting him out of Jammu and Kashmir to Mizoram, BSF sources said. As per the allegation by Constable Subhash Rathore of 42 Battalion headed by Singh, a Kashmiri youth had been gunned down by the Commandant and labelled as a 'Pakistani terrorist.'

    Rathore alleged that after the fake encounter, Singh had tried to claim President's Gallantry Medal for it and even got a senior officer to recommend his name. When contacted, the BSF Chief acknowledged receipt of Rathore's complaint against Singh and said a Court of Inquiry (COI) was ordered on July 6 on that basis.

    "The COI will seek to find out the truth behind the allegation", the BSF DG said, adding the COI will also find out "why the complainant constable, remained silent so far if he knew about the details and levelled the allegations now".

    Rathore has alleged that the unidentified youth hailing from Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir was picked up from near Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar on September 2, 2003 on suspicion of being a terrorist. He was interrogated thoroughly and on the intervening night of September 7 and 8 he was taken by Singh to Nagbal area of Budgam district in Kashmir and gunned down, alleged Rathore in his letters to President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, CBI Director U. S. Mishra and BSF chief, demanding a thorough probe.
The constable alleged the Commandant had himself participated in the killing and was helped by some of his handpicked BSF personnel.

    The killed youth was given the fictitious name of Ismail Bhai alias Babar, s/o Golla Seeq Bhai, r/o Kodipak, district Lodurin-K K Khas, Chawalbir, Karachi, Rathore alleged. According to preliminary in-house investigations conducted by the BSF, the constable levelled allegations against his senior officer months after the incident 'because of a tiff', sources said.

ALLEGED HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY MILITANTS IN THE MONTH OF JULY
2 ARMY ENGINEERS KILLED

Jammu, July 1: In the first attack on army personnel working on a project to fence the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, suspected militants killed two Army engineers in Poonch district. A group of militants reportedly stormed a camp of military engineers in Saujian sector in Poonch district, 240 kilometre North from here, late on Tuesday night.

Four personnel were critically wounded in the attack, which was carried out as Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee was on his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, since assuming his office last month. The ambush followed a heavy gun battle. However there were no reports of causalities among the militants. Two of the injured officials later succumbed to their injuries, reports revealed.

HM CLAIMS KILLING OF A DISAPPEARED BOY
July 16: The indigenous militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) claimed the killing of a disappeared youth of Doda district. The deceased identified as Fayez Ahmad Malik s/o Gulzar Ahmad Malik r/o Doda town, went missing since last one year. The boy was accused of providing information to the troops.

    Sources said that Fayez Ahmad Malik reportedly went missing a year ago. He disappeared mysteriously after leaving his home for Doda town. Apprehensive of his safety, his family left no stone unturned to locate him. In this connection, a missing report was also lodged in the concerned police station. Suspicious, the relatives of Fayaz approached the militants of the area in this connection but all in vain.

    “Yesterday (on 15 July) we received a letter from the HM local commander, which read that the outfit had eliminated him on confirm reports of facilitating and informing the troops work in combating militancy”, Fayez’s family alleged.

    The letter further revealed that the outfit killed him only after he had confessed of working for the security force agencies and his involvement in various anti-movement activities. The outfit warned the family of any revenge otherwise the entire family would face the same fate. However, there was neither denial nor acceptance of Fayez’s involvement in anti-militant activities. SSM students protest ‘unjustified, illegal’ detention of colleague

THREATEN MASSIVE PROTEST AGAINST THE ARRESTS OF STUDENTS IN VALLEY

Srinagar July 1: The students of SSM College of engineering held a massive demonstration in college campus and boycotted their classes. They demanded the release of their colleague, Muhammad Shahid Dar, who was allegedly arrested by the police. The students further threatened to hold a ‘big protest’ on Saturday, if the student was not released.

    Muhammad Shahid Dar, a resident of Kanitar, Lal Bazar was allegedly picked up by troops on last Saturday. His parents approached to all nearby police stations but could not ascertain the whereabouts till yesterday. "One of the police station has confirmed his arrest," said a relative.

    As soon as the news of arrest spread in college campus, the students boycotted their classes and held demonstration in the campus. "He is innocent. He has nothing to do with militancy or any other activity", said a student. Shahid is a student in the fourth semester of Bachelor of engineering at SSM. Accusing police of harassing students’ community and spreading terror among them, protestors described the recent arrests of the number of students as "deep rooted conspiracy against the student community". Shahid is a topper of his class and is known for his attendance in the college”, said the students.

    "He was regular in the class which is obvious from the attendance register. Moreover, he would attend tutor regularly", said a close friend of Shahid, adding, "How can one expect him to be involved in any activity."

    The protesting students charged police of marring the career of students by making unjustified and illegal detention of students. "They are playing with the career of the students by arresting them and tainting them", said Gulzar, a student of SSM.

    The students plan to approach senior ministers to express their concern over the arrests of students across the valley. On Saturday, according to SSM Students Union, students will assemble in the campus to protest the arrest and no class will be attended on that day. "If the police did not release Shahid soon. We will be forced to come on streets and demonstrate illegal detention of students", said the Students Union spokesperson.

    It is pertinent to mention that a number of students were arrested in Srinagar recently including a doctor of GMC and an M Phil student of Kashmir University.Talking to The Informative Missive, the family members of Shahid Dar said, “He was arrested on June 28 at 9 p.m. at his residence. Police alleged that Shahid had links with militants, whom he had offered dinner recently. But it is all sham. He has been falsely implicated”. During inquiry, Shahid agreed that some persons had forced their entry into his home demanding food, in absence of his father and brother, who at the time of incident were out of State in connection of fruit Business. Police claimed to have arrested that person.

    “Can you tell all this in front of him?” Inquired the officer. Shahid replied in affirmative. Later, on this pretext they took him to police station Lal Bazar. His father apprehensive accompanied Shahid. But at police station Lal Bazar, police returned him back and told him that they were taking Shahid to somewhere else.

    Next day morning when Shahid’s parents went to police station Lal Bazar, they told them that Shahid was not there. Depressed and dejected, as they were about to leave, one of the policemen told the family that he was in Air Cargo Interrogation Centre. They rushed there to know whether Shahid was there or not. It was only after two days that the Air Cargo Interrogation centre people allowed them to meet Shahid. Shahid was badly tortured by the police and his serum billurubin was very high. He was then taken to Shergadi Police station and booked him under PSA. The police alleged him of having links with Khalid Parveiz – one of the 18 militant arrested in June.

    Shahid’s brother expressing his concern over the Human Rights violation in the valley said that he is eager to work with some Human Rights Group. At present Shahid is in Central Jail. The family members have also applied for quash.

DOCTORS PROTEST AGAINST COLLEAGUE'S ARREST AT GMC

Srinagar, July 1: The Junior Doctors Association has threatened to boycott duties from Friday if their colleague, detained by police, was not released immediately. The president of JDA told Informative Missive that he along with a delegation of doctors met Home minister of state, A R Veeri and told him, "Do not compel the doctors to boycott work and make common people suffer".

    The JDA was promised by Government on Wednesday that Dr Akram Hussein, detained by SOG, would be released on Thursday morning.

    Meanwhile, Junior Doctors, and students of Government Medical College (GMC) against the arrest of Dr. Akram Hussein Bijli, who is working as registrar in the surgery department, SMHS Hospital, held protests. Junior Doctors Association (JDA) of GMC and Associated hospitals threatened to go on strike and mass agitation, from July 2, if Akram was not released before 10 am.

    The protests were sparked off this afternoon, when the police accepted Akram's arrest. It is pertinent to mention, that Akram was picked from his residence at Barbar Shah. As per the family, some gypsy borne police personals attired in civvies arrested him at the pretext of treating some Dy.S.P.

    Raising slogans like "Release Dr. Akram soon, down with the Killer forces", at GMC, hundreds of protestors alleged that "doctors are being unnecessarily harassed by the security forces". Referring to some past incidences of "innocent killings" of doctors, the protestors also said that "agencies" want to kill innocent doctors, to deprive the valley of "local intelligentsia".

    Addressing the protestors, President, JDA, Nissar-ul-Hassan said that Akram is innocent and that his services were required by the hospital. He also said that to seek justice, the unity among doctors was required.

    The paramedical staff of GMC Associated hospitals threatened to go on a strike from tomorrow, if Akram was not released. Hassan said further added that Government would be responsible for the sufferings caused to the patients, due to strike.

    Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Employees Association, SMHS hospital told Informative Missive that they would support JDA's call for strike. The Association has also impressed upon the Government that patient care was going to suffer if such "barbaric acts" like arresting innocent doctors were repeated.

DPM LEADER KILLED IN DODA

Doda, July 5: Unidentified gunmen last evening shot dead a provincial President of Democratic Political Movement (DPM) in Doda, a separatist political organisation associated with Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s Hurriyat Conference.

    Eyewitness said at about 8 p.m. Sunday evening, some unidentified gunmen entered the house of Muhammad Ismael s/o Abdul Subhan Dar at Seel village about 12 kilometres from here and picked him up. His body was later recovered from the adjoining village of Beli Shouran. The body was shifted to District Hospital Doda for post-mortem. Muhammad Ismael was a renowned separatist leader of Doda district, who recently held the charge of provincial president of Democratic Political Movement recently.

    With Muhammad Ismael’s killing, the number of civilians abducted and killed in the area during last 20 days has elevated to seven. Some unknown gunmen reportedly killed all these civilians. The police have allegedly failed to trace the murderer. "Instead of investigating into the matter, police simply shift the blame on the militants", alleged the locals.

    In mid-June, a carpenter Muhammad Iqbal Mir s/o Sabir Din Mir, r/o Nalthi village of Bhaderwah tehsil was kidnapped and later killed in Sartingal area of the Bhaderwah. Few days’ later, unidentified gunmen abducted and subsequently killed a contractor Shoukat Hussain, in a nearby forest of Sartingal. Same case happened at Basant Koti village of Doda district from where the dead body of a civilian Ghulam Nabi Sheikh s/o Gafoor Ahmed Sheikh was recovered by the police on July 1. Some unidentified gunmen kidnapped the deceased from his house on June 28, 2004. At Nagni Doda, some unidentified gunmen entered the chemist shop of Muhammad Hafiz Malik s/o Ghulam Muhammad Malik, r/o Bharath Doda and fired upon him resulting in his on spot death.

    The locals smell foul play behind the mysterious killings "The police know nothing about these killings, however on mere presumption they claim militants as the perpetrators”, said the residents while criticizing the police authorities for their indolence to expose and bring to trail the people involved in these killings.

    These killings have created panic among the residents of far-flung areas who feel insecure in the villages after these incidents. "These incidents have sent shock waves among the residents and created a reign of terror in the area", said Muhammad Yasir Mir, whose father was killed recently in a similar incident. "The scenario may take a different shape as the residents are now planning to migrate to the towns", he added. Unaware about the murderer of his father, he said. "Neither my father had any rivalry with militants nor with security forces and he was just a carpenter who used to remain busy in his work". He claimed the mysterious killing has forced his younger brother Tanveer Ahmed to shift to his relatives’ house for safety.

PROTESTING THE KILLING LANDS BOY IN ICU

Sangarwani, (Pulwama) July 4: Twenty-one-year-old Gulzar Ahmad Daded, who was battling for life at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar, after being beaten by troops, succumbed to his injuries on July 4.

    Army personnel of Gurkha Regiment based at Mastpora Keller thrashed Gulzar Ahmad of Aritrag Sangarwani in Pulwama ruthlessly on July 1. The incident took place when Gulzar was protesting among hundreds of other villagers against the custodial killing of local militant, Fayaz Ahmad Koli of Sangarwani.
The villagers said the militant was arrested by the troops and then his throat was slit. People working in the nearby fields heard Fayaz’s cries while his throat was being slit. This news spread like a forest fire and people demanded Fayaz’s body from the troops.

    Gulzar was among the protestors, says his mother, Hajira who is presently attending him at SKIMS. Gulzar fell unconscious and vomited blood after the thrashing as he received critical injuries in his head. The villagers took Gulzar to sub-district hospital at Keller where from he was referred to SKIMS as his condition was critical. The same army personnel who had beat him tried to stop the vehicle carrying Gulzar, but police intervened and let them go.

    The villagers say Gulzar’s mother requested army men for their forgiveness, but they told her, in front of hundreds of villagers and police officials, "One who dares to argue with us will face the same".

    The reporter of The Informative Missive visited SKIMS and saw Gulzar lying on the bed in ICCU (Intensive and Critical Care Unit, surgical), just breathing. The doctor on duty, Dr. Mir Ghulam Mohammad said Gulzar had severe head injury and was operated for Homotoma. He was on artificial respiration and his neurological status was not good, said the doctor while talking to The Informative Missive.

    Doctors had already pronounced Gulzar’s condition quite bleak. Finally on July 4, Gulzar succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

SHRC RESENTS SLITTING THROAT OF MILITANT IN PULWAMA
Asks IGP to report

Srinagar, July 2: Expressing strong resentment over the alleged slitting of throat of a militant and ruthless beating of people by troops in Pulwama last week, State Human Rights Commission issued notices to Inspector General of police to investigate the matter.

Taking suo moto cognizance of a report published in a local daily ‘youth saw militant’s throat slit,’ chairperson SHRC Justice A M Mir termed the incident as grim and unfortunate adding law should take its own course and nobody including army should take law in their own hands.

Troops in Keller Pulwama had last week arrested a local militant and reportedly slit his throat. When the people of the area protested against the custodial killing, forces used force leading to serious injuries to one Gulzar Daded who is battling for life in SKIMS Soura.

"If the security forces are giving punishments on the spot what for are the courts then? If a person is alleged to have committed a crime bring him to law and let the court decide the punishment", Mir said.
"India is the biggest democracy of the world and eventualities can be easily addressed by the law of t he land," Mir said adding these acts by the security forces were transgression of human rights.

SHRC is monitoring the human rights violations closely wherever they are taking place in the State and in many cases the Commission has taken appropriate action, Mir informed. Refusing to comment on the arrest of students in the valley, Mir said at this point of time he cannot comment on the issue as ‘police has the authority to arrest anybody.’ However, he said if any innocent has been arrested on the basis of mere suspicion he should be released after proper investigation.

Reacting over the use of force by police on peaceful demonstrations against human rights violations, Mir said, "Demonstrations fall within the fundamental right of the freedom of speech and expression and nobody can take the right away by applying brute force".

PATTAN ENCOUNTER: VILLAGERS USED AS HUMAN SHIELD?

Khour (Pattan), July 27: Boys were reportedly used as shields by the security forces to flush out the militants holed inside a house here. The encounter lasted for several hours and one militant Abu Abrar, alias Faisal of Lashkar-i-Toiba was killed in the encounter while as two of his associates escaped. Two houses were also gutted in the exchange of fire

Suhail Ahmad Pandit, 17, used as a shield alleged that forces arrived in the village Monday at around 3 p.m. and asked all the people to assemble in the Village School. He and his other three associates Azim Salam, Wajahat Subhan and Ashraf Ahmad were allegedly taken along to search the house where the militants were holed in.

"After we had searched one house, the forces made us to search the other house. Then as we were entering the house the door closed with a bang and suddenly the firing started. We ducked and then the firing continued for a long time. We had a narrow escape", recalled Suhail adding, “When the encounter stopped one militant was retrieved from the debris early in the morning and other two had already escaped”. However Suhail and other men from the village had to remain with the army for the whole night before the encounter concluded. “When the encounter stopped the forces blasted the two houses", Suhail added. The villagers however didn’t know about the whereabouts of Ali Muhammad Sheikh and his family in whose house the militants were holed. In the village the tempers ran high. It was after a gap of around 2 years that the encounter took place in the area. However the army denied that they used human shields in crackdown. When contacted, PRO Defence, Col Mukhtiar Singh said that none of the villagers was used as a human shield. "We have to take the boys to conduct the searches, otherwise the people complain of theft", he said.

STF KILLS 18-MONTH-OLD BABY

July 1: In a gruesome incident, an eighteen-month-old baby was allegedly killed by the personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) at Charlla, Faisalabad area of Surankote tehsil in Poonch district. The killing sparked protest in the area, followed by a daylong strike. Refuting the villager’s claims, the police said that the child was killed in cross firing.

    Sources told The Informative Missive, that at around 4:00 p.m., SOG personnel camped at Surankote appeared in civvies at Charlla, Faisalabad and showered bullets towards the house of a teacher, Wazir Mohammad. “There was no provocation which, impulsed the SOG men to fire”, alleged the locals. In the incident, an eighteen-month-old boy Umar Imtiyaz s/o Imtiyaz Ahmad was killed. Immediately, after the firing, the SOG men fled from the scene.

    The firing created panic in entire area and the inhabitants took to streets to protest against the killing.
Later, people marched to Surankote police station and staged a demonstration along with the infant’s body. They accused the cops of resorting to unprovoked firing killing the child. They demanded immediate action and registration of an FIR against the cops.

    Till late, the people protested outside the police station. Even the police efforts to persuade them to return did not materialize. The SSP and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Poonch, to pacify the protestors assured immediate action into the incident. Meanwhile, the DC handed over a cheque of Rs. 1 lac to the relatives of the deceased and also assured a job.

    Talking to The Informative Missive, one of the deceased’s relatives said that the killing was intentional, and deliberate, and everyone, particularly the neighbourers knows it well that there has been no incident of crossfire.

GRENADE BLAST IN ISLAMABAD RALLY, 5 DEAD

Islamabad, July 19: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma on Monday escaped another bid on his life, second in less than a week, when militants hurled a grenade at Sharma in Kapran village of Islamabad district where the minister had gone to attend a Health carnival. While Sharma and two of his cabinet colleagues, Power Minister Muhammad Sharief Niaz and Public Works Minister G A Mir escaped unhurt, five persons including private secretary of Niaz, Abdul Rashid, and chief engineer R&B, M Y Rather were killed and 40 others injured in the attack.

    The injured include the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Asghar Samoon, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Bashir Ahmad and three journalists.

    Samoon was later flown in a chopper to Srinagar where he was admitted at SKIMS. Three others including Additional SP Islamabad, Tameel Bashir, were also shifted to SKIMS Soura later. Director SKIMS Dr S. Jalal told KNS that the condition of all the injured persons including Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and Additional SP was out of danger.

    The other dead were identified as Nazir Ahmad Shah s/o Ghulam Rasool Shah of Sadiqabad Islamabad, Rafiqa Akhter d/o Abdul Aziz of Yakerpora Kapran and Wazira Begum w/o Muhammad Rafiq of Nanipora Duroo.

    Besides Sharma's cabinet colleagues Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Sharief Niaz, State Congress Vice President Abdul Ghani Vakil was also present at the site. Reports said the ASP and DC Islamabad had warned the Deputy Chief Minister and other ministers not to visit Kapran for the area had heavy presence of militants.

SOG, ARMY 'FIRES UPON' 80 YEARS OLD MAN IN POONCH
Militant killed in Gandoh, Army Lt succumbs to injuries
Boy injured in mine blast, civilian wounded by ultras

Jammu, July 25: An 80 year-old-man was injured in Surankote when security forces fired upon him, while a civilian was wounded by militants in Poonch.

    The lieutenant who sustained bullet injuries in Makwal area last night succumbed to his injuries in Military Hospital on July 25, while police killed a Pakistani militant in Gandoh area during the past 24 hours. A 17-year old boy was injured in a mine explosion in Mendhar.

    Reports said that an eighty-year-old Jumma s/o Mitha r/o Morha Bichai in Surankote was injured when SOG and Army who were conducting searches in Morha Bichai area fired upon him. According to local reports, the incident took place in the early morning hours when the aged man was attending nature's call amid standing maze crops.

    Belying the tall claims of the State Government of disbanding SOG, local reports said that jawans of 45 RR and SOG personnel were responsible for injuring aged man for no fault of his. The injured Jumma received bullet injury his thigh leaving him in the pool of blood in the field.

    Later relatives of the injured lodged an FIR in police station Surankote and the injured Jumma was admitted in Surankote hospital for treatment.

    The army lieutenant who was injured in an encounter with the militants in Suble Border Out Post at Allah Mai Di Kothi (AMK) in Makwal sector succumbed to injuries in Military Hospital this after noon.
The slain lieutenant was identified as Ribhu Sexena of 22 Rajput Regiment. In the same encounter one Naik Ram of 6 JAT Regiment was also injured.

    In fierce gun battle between the police and the militants in forests of Bharth area in Gandoh tehsil one foreign ultra identified as Tosif code Abu Maz r/o Pakistan was killed. However, the police could not take the body of the slain ultra in possession as the other terrorists accompanying him took the body away.
Reports said that during the intervening night of the July 24 police party of Police Post Bharthi that comes under the jurisdiction of Police Station Gandoh launched a search operation in the forest area of Bharthi and during search operation an encounter took place between police and militants. In the ensuing gun battle one foreign militant was killed.

    The recoveries made from the site of encounter included one AK 56, one AK magazine and 14 AK rounds. The search in the area was on when the reports last came in. Some unidentified militants injured a civilian with sharp edged weapons during late night hours in Hari Buddha area of tehsil Haveli in Poonch.
Reports said that during the night of July 24 some suspected militants entered the house of one Abdul Kareem (35) s/o Bhader r/o Hari Buddha tehsil Haveli and assaulted him with the sharp edged weapon.
He was admitted to SDH Mandi. Police has reportedly taken the cognizance of the matter.

    A 17-year-old boy identified as Imtiyaz Ahmed s/o Abdul Hamid r/o Baloni under the jurisdiction of police station Mendhar was injured due to exploding of a mine. Reports said that he was cutting grass in non-civilian area when the explosion took place. The injured was rushed to District Hospital Rajouri. Border Security Force 129 battalion claimed to have made recoveries during searches in general area of Chandi Mandir in Poonch district this afternoon.

    The recoveries made included one rucksack along with AK ammunition 400 rounds, 15 RPG, 15 rocket boosters, 15 Kilograms explosives, 20 time devices, 20 electric detonators, one High Band Long Range Antenna and a wine bottle.

2 CIVILIANS SHOT DEAD; ULTRA, WOMAN'S BODY FOUND IN POONCH

JAMMU, July 12: Militants shot dead two civilians in Poonch district while a mutilated body of an ultra and charred body of a woman was recovered from Chakthroo area of same district where an encounter was going on for the last couple of days.

Militants triggered an explosion with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Kalikund on Bani-Sarthal road minutes after an army vehicle passed by the area.

Militants shot dead two civilians in Kunuiyan Top and Morrah area of district Poonch since yesterday.
As per reports Mohammad Ishaq, son of Mohammad Azam of Kunniyan Top was abducted by the ultras from his house on Saturday night. His bullet ridden body was recovered from the adjoining forest area yesterday.

Another civilian Bagh Hussain, son of Bahadur Ali of Marrah (Surankot) was killed by the militants. The body was recovered from nallah near Dab Sudan. A militant body of a militant and a charred body of a woman was recovered from the debris of a house which was gutted during ensuing gun-battle at Chakthroo in Mandi area of Poonch today.

Identity of slain ultra could not be ascertained while the deceased woman has been identified as Asram Bi, wife of Faqir Mohd of Chakthroo.

One AK rifle and two AK magazines were recovered from the debris. An army vehicle had narrow escape when some militants triggered an IED near Kalikund at Bani-Sarthal road near Bani. The IED exploded few minutes after passing of the army vehicle. The armymen had a narrow escape in the blast.
Meanwhile security forces busted a hideout in Surankot (Poonch) which included three hand grenades and one dagger.

ACTION AGAINST 2 ARMY CAPTAINS’

Srinagar, July 11: Acting on a complaint filed four years back, the State Human Rights commission (SHRC) has directed the senior Superintendent of Police Handwara to register a case against army officers of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) who were posted at Wadder Payeen Camp in June-July 2000.
In a case titled Wali Muhammad Mir s/o Sultan Mir, r/o Wadder Payeem, it has been brought to the notice of the Commission that 21 RR personnel had committed atrocities upon the villagers of Wadder Payeen by imposing crackdown for 10 days. During the crackdown, according to Commission, all the inhabitants of the village including women were dragged out and kept in the camp premises.
"Even pregnant women were not spared", observes SHRC in its judgment adding, "Two of the pregnant women delivered in the military camp itself. Due to non-availability of medical care the children born in the military camp died". Besides the sufferings and problems faced by the mothers in the camp, the judgment adds.

“The SHRC further observes that this aspect of the case was considered and observed by the Commission as most regrettable and highly condemnable action and a very serious violation of human rights on the part of ‘disciplined’ forces to have compelled the pregnant women to deliver in the camp”.
Taking strong note of atrocities meted to the villagers in general and women in particular, the SHRC comprising of Qazi Muzaffar-ud-Din, member SHRC, has directed SSP Handwara to get a case registered against Captain Chaudhary and Captain Suri of 21RR who were posted at Wadder Payeen Camp in June-July 2000.

The SHRC has also directed the police to investigate the matter and fix involvement in the matter and also of any other person to be found involved.

Moreover, the Commission has made recommendations to the Government to pay compensation to the complainant and to other villagers whose standing maize crops were destroyed and damaged by the forces in July 2000.

SHRC ASKS GOVT TO BOOK SECURITY MEN, PAY COMPENSATION

SRINAGAR, July 27: Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has recommended a compensation of Rs one lakh each to the family members of two persons who allegedly died in custody and directed the Government to take action against personnel of the security forces responsible.

In his judgement, SHRC member Qazi Muzaffar-uddin recommended that State government take immediate steps to take the case against Major Jatindara of 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) to its logical conclusion.

This follows hearing on a case filed by Mumtaza Bano that her husband Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, r/o Seer Jagir Sopore was arrested by the Major though he was an innocent and later disappeared in custody.
The Commission recommended Rs one lac as ex-gratia relief in her favour.

In the second judgement, the Commission directed the Government to register a case against 18 RR and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police in connection with the death of one Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, after he was allegedly used as human shield during an encounter with militants.
Qazi gave the judgement on a case filed by Sara Begum that her son Bhat was used as human shield by the RR and SOG as a result of which he got killed.

The Commission directed government to pay Rs one lac as ex-gratia relief and compassionate appointment to the eligible member of the next of the kin of the deceased.

ENFORCE DISCIPLINE IN POLICE: SHRC TO IGP

Srinagar: State Human Rights Commission directed the Inspector General of Police to enforce discipline in the police ranks and minimize the use of force against the innocent people of the state.

Referring to an incident in a village Irgumoo Kokernag in district Islamabad, where a delegation of SHRC had visited few days ago, Chairperson SHRC Justice A.M.Mir directed the IG to see to it that the police do not put the people under pressure even while defending themselves.

Justice Mir noted that in many cases 'Use of gun against unarmed people is ordinarily disproportionate to the provocation caused. Police before enforcing discipline should be disciplined themselves first.'

The Commission had gone to village Irgumoo for an on spot investigation of an incident in which SHO Kokernag Manzoor Ahmad Lone and four constables had allegedly killed a girl Yasmena d/o Abdul Aziz resident of Irgumoo and seriously injured her cousin Aijaz Ahmad Mir in March this year.

Eyewitnesses of the incident in the village told the Commission that the boys of the village were playing in the field when a police party led by SHO Kokernag cordoned off the playfield and ran towards them without any provocation. The villagers in their version said: "The panicked boys fled from the spot. Frustrated, the SHO ordered his police party to open fire. In the indiscriminate firing, Aijaz Ahmad Mir s/o Ghulam Nabi Mir, swimming in the nearby stream, sustained serious wounds. Hearing gunshots, the villagers, including the family and relatives of Aijaz, ran towards the spot. Yasmeen, the cousin of Aijaz saw policemen dragging him towards a police vehicle in a badly wounded condition. Screaming and wailing she ran towards the vehicle but was greeted with bullets. She died of injuries at hospital."

SHRC had also sought a report from SSP Islamabad, who reported that SHO Kokernag Police Station Manzoor Ahmad Lone had received information that some youth were Gambling at village Irkumoo. "SHO had already sent a bulletin in this behalf to Police Station Kokernag for lodging FIR, filed as 35/2004 under Gambling Act."

The SSP's report stated that the police team led by Manzoor reached the spot and one of the constable Azad Ahmad belt no 1177/A fell on the ground resulting in the accidental fire in resulting in serious injuries to Aijaz and his cousin Yasmeen, who later on succumbed due to injuries. The SSP's report also stated that after the incident the SHO and police party was severely thrashed by the angry mob

Following police investigation, a case of attempted murder has been proved against Constable Azad Ahmad, the SSP, Islamabad had written to Inspector General of Police, Kashmir. Police had also framed charges for different offences against 'some unknown miscreants'.

CENTRE TO RESUME SCREENING OF J&K DETENUES

New Delhi, July 12: The Centre has directed the officials to re-start screening and release of detenues in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the new Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government took over, the process had got stalled.

Sources here said that Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Monday asked Union Home Secretary Dhirendra Singh to get in touch with the Jammu and Kashmir state government and restart process of screening of detenues.

Patil also reviews the latest situation in the state at a high level meeting attended by Centre's points man for talks N N Vohra, National Security Advisor J N Dixit, OSD in PMO M K Narayanan, Secretary (RAW) C D Sahay and new Intelligence Bureau Director A K Doval. During the meeting, law and order and Human Rights situation in the state was also discussed, sources said.

2 CIVILIANS KILLED, DUBBED AS MILITANTS’ RR SAYS DOCUMENTS PROVE THEM MILITANT

Srinagar, July 27: Two persons dubbed as militants were killed on the night of July 17 by the troops of 9 Rashtriya Rifles in a ‘gunfight’ in Branel Lamad area of Damhal Hanjipora in Islamabad district. It was only after the locals obtained permission from District civilian administration to exhume the bodies of the ‘militants’ buried by them in the local graveyard that their worst fears came true: the bodies were those of two innocent local labourers.

Unverified the duo buried in the local graveyard. In the meantime, many civilians from different parts of the valley, whose relatives were missing, contacted police to ascertain whether the two persons killed in the incident were the ones they are looking for.

The relatives of the two killed persons from a far-flung village of Damhal Hanjipora called Bihadijalan lodged report about the missing duo. From the spot of the gunfight, the relatives recovered some incriminating objects that prompted them to seek permission from the district authorities to exhume the bodies.

In presence of top police and civil officers the bodies were exhumed and identified as Ghulam Muhammad Naik and Abdul Rashid Kotay of Bihadijalan. When the bodies were taken to their native village, people shouted slogans against the RR troops.

The local residents told that Ghulam Muhammad Naik and Abdul Rashid were staying in Srinagar where they were working as labourers. The duo, according to the residents went missing on July 5 and hectic search for them proved fruitless. When contacted, a spokesman of Awantipora based Victor Force told that both the persons were Kashmiri militants and were killed in an encounter with troops of 9 RR on July 17. The spokesman said documents recovered from them proved their involvement in militant activities.

News in brief

Youth killed in police fire
July 2: An 18-year-old student Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat s/o Ali Muhammad Bhat was killed when police fired on protestors at Watergam Varmul on Friday.

The protestors were fed on rumours that one Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sheikh injured in a group clash on Thursday had succumbed. They pelted stones on rival group who retaliated resulting in fierce clashes.
Police reached the spot to intervene and fired tear gas canisters to disperse the agitated crowd. They also resorted to firing killing the student.

COURT ALLOWS INTERVIEW
Srinagar July 2: The High Court directed police to allow parents of a Kashmir University student Majid Hussian Qadri, and his lawyer Mohsin Qadri to have interview with the detainee and asked government to disclose the grounds of his detention.

Justice Pramod Kohli held that the interview with detainee should be provided to the parents and counsel of detainee whenever they approach SP concerned. The court also directed that detainee be examined by doctor from GMC Srinagar and said the compliance report should be submitted to it after the medical examination.

POLICE DEFEND QADRI, AKRAM'S ARREST
Srinagar July 2: Police today claimed that management student Majid Hussain Qadri was actively affiliated with Lashker-e-Toiba and was involved in number of militancy activities.
In a statement today, police spokesman also claimed that PG student Dr Akram had been treating militants in SMHS for quite sometime now.

PDP WORKERS BEATEN
Srinagar, July 2: Unidentified gunmen at Renipora Mattan beat two activists of ruling People’s Democratic Party on Thursday night.

Sources said a group of unidentified armed men entered into the house of Muzaffar Ahmad Shah s/o Jaffar Shah at Renipora Mattan in Islamabad district and thrashed him. He sustained injuries.

The gunmen later entered the house of another PDP worker Munir Hussain Shah and gave him a sound beating. A Scorpio vehicle parked in the house premises (JK01-6474) was also set ablaze by the unidentified men.

Police detain informer
Kupwara: Police put under detention an alleged army informer involved in kidnappings in Kupwara. Muhammad Ashraf Khan s/o Saif-ud-Din Khan of Awoora was caught by two persons at the local bus stand and handed over to police station Trehgam.

Ashraf, according to police, in connivance with three others was involved in kidnapping of one Ajaz Ahmad Khan s/o Bashir Khan of Awoora on June 29. Ajaz was taken to Mir Moqam and thrashed ruthlessly by the kidnappers, the police added. The abducted person according to police was rescued by the locals and later shifted to nearby hospital in a critical condition.

Ajaz identified the persons involved in kidnapping as Saif-ud-Din Khan, Javed Ahmad Dar and Mushtaq Ahmad Dar.

Villagers block Poonch highway for 6 hours
POONCH, July 2: Residents of Charanwali in Surankote blocked Jammu-Poonch highway and disrupted movement of traffic for about six hours in protest against the killing of a minor boy in cross-firing between militants and security forces last night.

The victim, killed on the spot was identified as Mohd Umar (3) s/o Mohammed Azam of Charanwali village in Surankote. The villagers said that security forces had cordoned the area last night on the information that some militants were hiding there.

The gun-battle started between the militants and the forces during the operation. The boy who was inside his house sustained a bullet injury and died on the spot. The family even could not evacuate him to the hospital due to total crackdown and firing by the security forces.

Irate villagers took the body of the minor boy and sat on dharna on Jammu-Poonch highway near Surankote to lodge their protest. The movement of vehicular traffic remained disrupted on the road from 7 am to 1 pm.

Later, SSP Poonch, Mukesh Singh and DSP reached the spot and assured a probe into the incident and adequate relief. Timely intervention by the SSP restored vehicular movement.

Villagers clamour for brothers’ release
Handwara, July 11: On the third consecutive day, villagers of Natsusa Handwara used mosque loud-speakers appealing for release of two brothers abducted by unidentified gunmen Thursday evening.

Unidentified gunmen on Thursday evening barged into the house of Wali Muhammad Sheikh of Natsusa hamlet and asked for sheep. Two sheep were handed over to the gunmen. The gunmen slaughtered the sheep in the yard of the house. Villagers say after slaughtering the sheep gunmen asked Gulam Nabi Sheikh (35) and Abdul Hameed Sheikh, sons of Wali Muhammad Sheikh, to accompany them to nearby jungles. Since then their whereabouts are not known.

On Friday morning the villagers went near the forest with microphones of local Masjid appealing the abductors to release the brothers. However, hitherto the abductors have not given any response.

"My sons were dealing with orchards and have no link with anyone", says Wali Muhammad. Everyone in the village was swearing by innocence of the brothers. "If at all they have done something wrong, let gunmen inform us. We will punish them," the villagers said.

Patients harassed
Srinagar: The attendants of patients undergoing treatment at the Cardiology unit of SKIMS have accused the BSF personnel attending their colleague of harassing other patients.

A delegation said that the personnel attending their colleague carry ammunition in the ward harassing other patients. They urged the higher concerned officials to take immediate action in this regard.
Bill to repeal POTA introduced

New Delhi, July 9: Repeal of POTA and abolition of capital punishment were among 16 private members’ bills introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Introduced by C K Chandrappan (CPI), the Bill on POTA said those in power knew the provision for its misuse against political adversaries.

Unusual methods were adopted by the then Government to enact this undemocratic legislation while there was no dearth of laws for prevention of terrorism, the Bill said.

The legislation did not succeed in achieving its end; it said adding Parliament was attacked by terrorists while the legislation was already in force.

Another Bill, The Abolition of Capital Punishment, introduced by Chandrappan, said a life sentence is sufficient punishment to make a person repent and change his way.

With regard to appointment of Governors, Chandrappan introduced another Bill seeking an amendment in the Constitution to ensure that no political appointments were made to the constitutional posts.

4 accused get bail
Srinagar: The court on Friday granted bail to four persons accused by police of being part of a Lashkar-e-Toiba module. The court while granting bail to Suhaib Ahmad Qurashi, Dr Akram Sidique, Hafizullah Baig and Prof. Masood, said no prima facie evidence was found against them.

Advocates S H Salathia, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Khan and Nazir Ahmad Ronga pleaded the cases of the accused. The High Court Bar Association General Secretary Bashir Sidique also accompanied the lawyers.

One of the lawyers said court had to grant the bail, as there was no legal basis for the arrest. "When you arrest someone, it has to have some legal grounds and in this case prosecution had no reply," he added.

Police had claimed to bust a strong network of local militants operating under the banner of Save Kashmir Movement. The arrests triggered off protests in Kashmir University and SMHS hospital here.

Body recovered
Srinagar: Police recovered dead body of Muhammad Anwar s/o Abdul Gaffar Dar of Mohan Wajan Kakapora in Pulwama district from Kadlabal Charsoo in Awantipora area of the same district on Friday. Police said a vehicle hit the deceased on Thursday evening.

‘Missing teenager killed in fake encounter’
Srinagar, July 19: Body of one of the two missing teenagers of Budgam district was brought to his residence Monday creating a furore in the area. The teenagers Abdul Latif Teeli, 18, s/o Abdul Rahman Teeli and Showkat Ahmad Dar, 18, s/o Farooq Ahmad Dar left their homes on July 12 for a picnic at Gulmarg, relatives of the teenagers said while alleging Abdul Latif Teeli was killed in a fake encounter at Tangdar. The other teenager Showkat Ahmad Dar is still missing.

Youth held
Srinagar July 5: Shabir Ahmad Dar s/o Muhammad Ramzan Dar of Shalla Kadal Karfali Mohalla was arrested by Gypsy borne gunmen from his PCO on Monday evening.

According to eyewitnesses, gunmen in civvies barged into the shop of Shabir and dragged him out. The gunmen thrashed him mercilessly and boarded him into the Gypsy. Since then nothing his whereabouts are not known.

‘YOUTH TORTURED’
Srinagar July 6: Special Operations Group (SOG) allegedly arrested a shopkeeper, Javed Ahmad Wani s/o Ghulam Hassan Wani of Sogam at Lolab in Kupwara district and subsequently tortured him ruthlessly.
The torture inflicted left him in half dead condition. Later he was released and immediately rushed to hospital.

120 YEAR OLD KILLED
Anantnag July 6: A 120-year-old man Hassan Ali Shah s/o Qalandar Shah of Veel Nagabal was killed, when he got caught in an exchange of fire between troops and militants at Saliya, Aishmuqam, of Anantnag district of South Kashmir.

FORCES ARREST STUDENT & CHEMIST
Srinagar July 6: Two persons were purportedly arrested by the security forces from two separate places in Kashmir. The arrestees were identified as a 9th class student Mohammad Salim Dar s/o Ali Mohammad Dar and a chemist Ajaz Ahmad Shah s/o Muhammad Sultan of Nadibal Bandipora.

Reports said that Salim was picked up by the troops, while he was touring along with his father in Iqbal Park near Saria Bala Srinagar. Meanwhile, Ajaz Shah was taken away by the security forces stationed at Navy Camp Watlab, Bandipora on July 5. The reason behind the arrests was however not known.

Boy picked
Islamabad July 14: Special Task Force (STF) personnel picked a 17-year-old boy Zakir of Kokernag at KMD bus stand near Masjid Sharief, Islamabad. Expressing concern over the detention of Zakir, his family members demanded his immediate release.

Soldiers Commit Suicide
July 5: A soldier of 24 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) committed suicide by shooting himself at Noorbagh, Baramulla in North Kashmir. The deceased identified as Dinesh Biloo (belt 15612100F) ended his life, as he was reportedly not granted leave.

July16: A soldier of 12Engineering Wing Camp Bandi Uri Biswa Raj (no.15327484A) ended his life by shooting himself.

July17: A BSF jawan committed suicide by using his service rifle. The deceased was identified as Sanjiv Kumar of 13Bn posted at Mazbugh Camp.

CHRONOLOGY OF JULY INCIDENTS
July 1: Two soldiers and two militants were killed in violence related incidents while two dead bodies including of a girl were recovered by police from two different places.
July 2: An army jawan, one BSF personnel and two JeM militants were killed in different incidents of violence while a dead body of a civilian was recovered from paddy fields at Chaki, Fathehpora Srinagar.
July 3: Seven militants including two LeT militants, three soldiers, two SPO and four civilians were killed in various incidents of violence across the state.
July 4: Two army personnel, one CRPF soldier, two unidentified militants, two civilians and a surrendered militant were killed in different incidents of violence.
July 5: Five militants including two HUJI militants, an army jawan, one SPO and two civilians were killed in various incidents.
July 6: Ten unidentified militants and two civilians including a woman were killed in various incidents of violence.
July 7: Two militants, a SPO, one PDP activist and two civilians including a teenaged boy were killed in separate incidents of violence.

* : A senior army officer rank Lt Colonel and a jawan were killed inside 19 Infantry division headquarters at Baramulla after a verbal dual.

July 8: An army Captain, four militants including one LeT cadre and a civilian were killed in different incidents of violence.
July 9: Two militants and a civilian were killed in separate incidents of violence.
July 10: Eleven militants including one LeT militant, two army personnel and a civilian were killed in different incident of violence while police recovered two dead bodies from different places.
July 11: Thirteen militants and three soldiers were killed in separate incident of violence.
July 12: One militant, one renegade and two civilians were killed in separate incident of violence while as a mutilated body of a militant and charred body of a woman were recovered from Chakthroo area of district Poonch.
July13: Three GREF personnel, one RR soldier, four militants including two LeT militants and a civilian were killed in different incidents of violence.
July 14: A PDP activist, one army personnel and two civilians including a woman were killed in different incident of violence.
July 15: One SPO, an army jawan, one militant and three civilians were killed in different incidents.
July16: Two soldiers including an army JCO, three militants including one LeT militant were killed in different incidents of violence while dead body of a civilian was recovered by police from Zaingeer canal near Putushaey Bandipora.
July17: Nine militants including one HUM militant and a soldier were killed in separate incidents of violence.
July18: Two militants including one LeT militant, a govt. gunman and a woman were killed in separate incidents of violence.
July19: Six civilians including two women and two HM militants were killed in different incident of violence.
July 20: Four cops, five militants including one HM and, LeT militant killed and a former govt. sponsored militant in various incidents of violence.
July21: Two HM militants, one HUJI militant, two civilians and one SPO were killed in different incidents of violence.
July22: One ITBP jawan, one SPO, a PDP activist and five militants including one each of LeT and JeM were killed in various incidents.
July23: Two militants and a woman were killed in different incidents of bloodshed.
July24: Two SPO’s, a police man, two LeT militants and two civilians were killed in different incidents of violence.
July 25: One lieutenant, a CRPF jawan, six militants including two HM militants and a congress worker were killed in incident of violence while a headless body was recovered by police at Ranibar Nallah,Bihlpora, Pulwama.
July26: One SPO, a civilian, two militants including one of Freedom Force, three alleged troops informers including two women were killed in separate incidents of violence.
July27: Six militants including three of LeT and one of Al – Mansoorian, a CRPF jawan and a civilian were killed in different incidents of violence.
July28: Five CRPF personnel, six militants including three LeT and two HM militants and two civilians were killed in various incidents. While a human head of a woman of Satoora was recovered by police from Naristan Tral.
July29: One militant, a pro government militant, and two civilians were killed in various incidents.
July30: Seven soldiers, three unknown militants, a released militant of HM, and a couple were killed in different incidents.
July31: One Army man, one HM militant, two government sponsored militants and three civilians including a 13 year old were killed in various incidents of bloodshed across the state.

Date	Alleged CK / EJE	Women Killed	Children killed	Alleged Disappearances
July 01	-	1	-	-
July 03	-	1	-	-
July 06	-	1	-	-
July 07	-	-	1	-
July 12	-	1	-	-
July14	-	1	-	-
July18	-	1	-	-
July19	2 CK	2	-	-
July23	-	1	-	-
July24	2 EJE	-	-	-
July 26	-	2	-	-
July28	-	1	-	-
July30	-	1	-	-
July 31	-	-	1	-
Total	4	13	2	0

Date	Soldiers	Militants	Civilians	Others
July 1	2	2	-	2 dead bodies recovered
July 2	2	2	1	-
July 3	5	7	4	-
July 4	3	2	2	1 surrendered militant
July 5	2	5	2	-
July 6	-	10	2	-
July 7	2 ( 1 Lt Colonel)	2	2	1 political activist
July 8	1 Army Captain	4	1	-
July 9	-	2	1	-
July 10	2	11	1	2 dead bodies recovered
July 11	2	13	-	-
July 12	-	2	3	1 renegade
July 13	1	4	1	3 GREF personnel
July 14	1	-	2	1 political activist
July 15	2	1	3	-
July 16	2 ( 1 JCO)	3	-	1 dead body recovered
July 17	1	9	-	-
July 18	-	2	1	1 govt. sponsored gunman
July 19	-	2	6	-
July 20	4	5		1 ex-govt. sponsored militant
July 21	1	3	2	-
July 22	2	5	-	1 political activist
July 23	-	2	-	1 woman working in police
July 24	3	2	2	-
July 25	2 (1 lieutenant)	6	-	1 political activist & 1 headless body recovered
July 26	1	2	1	3 troops informers
July 27	1	6	1	-
July 28	5	6	2	1 human head recovered
July 29	-	1	2	1 pro government militant
July 30	7	3	2	1 released militant
July 31	1	1	3	2 government sponsored militants
Total	55	125	47	26