The Informative Missive Published by PUBLIC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Editorial:      PATHRIBAL RECUR

    Chittibandi, Bandipora carnage is the repetition of the incident like Pathribal where on 25th of March 2000, the security forces and SOG killed 5 civilians. They were claimed to be foreign militants responsible for Chattisingpora massacre in which 37 Sikh were massacred. In Chittibandi five civilians were forcibly taken out of their home at the dawn on Feb 2004, and later their dead bodies in army fatigues were recovered from a hut. This incident became a public issue. People in thousands protest against these gruesome killings. The army routinely denied the allegation and claimed that they were porters’ voluntary working for the army. An eyewitness of the incident, Yousuf, who escaped death but lost his brother Yaqoob who was among the deceased, made the startling revelation that, “they were forced to wear the army fatigue and subsequently used as human shield against the militants resulting the killing of the abducted five villagers”.

    Besides, Yaqoob the relatives of other deceased villagers have contested the army version and have alleged that they were driven out of their homes against their will and consent, later their dead bodies were seen being carrying to Kotha. This routine incident is again the manifestation of forced labour, human shield and enforced disappearance. Forced labour is being practised by the army throughout Kashmir particularly in the remote areas where civilians are forced to undertake the army’s operations at the cost of their lives. Besides, forced labour, the civilians are used as shields while fighting the militants hidden in jungles and hilly terrains. In case, if the villagers had not seen the dead bodies while carried to dump in Kotha, probably that might have been the case of disappearances after setting hut on ablaze.

    This incident was made a political issue by the political organisations and even by the section of the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), which are holding a dialogue with Government of India (GOI) threatened to withdraw from the dialogue process and related it with human rights violations. This incident was widely reported on account of its political implications. It is ironic that the Government and Chief of Army Staff absolved the accused perpetrators and claimed that they were hired as porters, which is hardly credible given that the deceased Farooq Qurashi’s family was economically better off and would have never worked as a porter. It is against common sense that people are willing to work as porters in army operations without coercion. The Mufti govt. has ordered 35 probes in human rights violation cases even as none of perpetrators have been punished. This particular enquiry would be nothing more than the addition of enquiries ordered by the new regime.

    Even in Pathribal incident, which followed by the Barakpora firing made international news but the perpetrators were recipients of the national awards for rendering the meritorious services for tackling militancy. If perpetrators responsibly for gruesome incidents in past would have been punished, this incident would not have been taken place. This incident won’t be a last one; such incidents are bound to recur with govt. repeating its rituals like holding enquires in future. This incident was taking seriously by the Home Ministry for the first time in order to continue the dialogue process. So the internal enquiries were ordered by the army. But the findings of these internal enquiries by the army have never been transparent. This vicious circle is likely to continue.

    Recalling that the humanitarian principle enshrined in Article 3 on the Geneva Conventions. Of 12 August 1949, constitutes the foundation of respect for the human person in cases of armed conflict within national boundaries. The additional protocol 1 further guarantees protection of civilians against the inherent dangers of military operations. Besides, International Humanitarian Law also holds the perpetrators responsible for infringing upon citizens’ right to life. Nothing justifies such acts; not even the Armed Forces (Special Forces) Act. Perpetrators are personally responsible for such crimes and such crimes constitutes crimes against humanity.

BANDIPORA AFTERMATH; LIFE AFTER

    It was the fateful day of Feb 8, when Chittibandi carnage (in which five civilians were used as human shield) took place. The world may have forgotten the incident by the time, but for the locals of Chittibandi it is still a nightmare. Though, anger and emotional outbursts have died down, but on the whole things are much the same. The gruesome incident still haunts them and an aura of fear prevails in the atmosphere. Troops stationed there are too inquisitive about press or any other organization visiting the place. They do not want to reveal any information. When a team of The Informative Missive went to Chittibandi for a follow up, the huge camp of army concentrated there was difficult to pass. The troops of 10 Para stationed there, were suspicious and posed a barrage of questions. To enter the village, it is necessary to pass through the camp and seek permission. Even the locals who have to leave village in the morning have to seek permission and keep their identity cards with them, which is returned back to them only after evening. The troops often make regular patrolling of the village.

    The army spokesperson said they have received high-level orders after the carnage to be polite and helpful towards the villagers who feel insecure. However, the villagers claim otherwise.

    A high and difficult terrain, surrounded by mountains and gigantic trees, the village is almost inaccessible. Houses are quite distant from each other. To move from one household to another, a large distance has to be cover amidst high slopes. All the five households, who lost a member in the carnage, wear a gloomy look.

    The first house to visit was of Mohd Aslam S/o Mohd Yousuf. His wife Shameema and 6-year-old daughter are still reeling under the shock. Maudlin Shameema is speechless, “what do I say, I have repeated it so many times, the army came here at around 7 am and said they have some work for Aslam. They dragged him out. He had neither taken his breakfast nor was he properly dressed. They made him to dress forcibly. My mother-in-law and I went after him. They beat us and forced us to go back. They said we will send him back. He did not come back but his corpse came,” sobs Shameema who continues to stay with her in-laws, as she has nowhere else to go. “The army killed him, I will shout it from the roof top,” cries out Shameema. She fears nothing, as she has nothing to loose.

    Her father –in–law Mohd Yousuf Fatha says, “After taking Aslam with them, we contacted Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP) and pleaded him to look into the matter. He assured us of Aslam’s return by 2 Pm back. We were kept waiting. Meanwhile, somebody had sighted five bodies being carried to a Kotha (hut). The news spread like a wildfire and villagers in large numbers 5-10,000 gathered and moved towards the hut. They stormed inside the hut and found five bodies dressed in army attire. Soon a hush befell the crowd; we recognized them and took out the bodies carrying out a procession. Next day, all bodies were laid to rest.

    Army’s claim of the victims as hired porters is absolutely false. We have never worked for army nor have they paid us. The government gave us 1 lac rupees cheque as relief but when we went to cash it, the treasury had no money at that point in time. My son is no more, but right to life must be respected. We have lodged an FIR and we believe law will take its course. We believe justice will be done. We are a making a plea for justice, the voice of oppressed is never heard. But we have to say.”

    The walk to the Farooq Qureshi’s house- second victim is long and arduous. His house is a pucca (concrete) house having all the facilities of modern household. The household may have these worldly comforts but it has lost the most valuable possession- an inmate. The house wears a gloomy look. Loss of a loved one has left the family hopeless. Farooq’s mother Sitara Begum suffers a serious cardiac problem. At the time of the incident, Farooq’s parents were in Srinagar hospital. Sitara is too weak to say anything. Farooq’s father Siraj-ud-Din narrating the whole incident said, “At the time of incident we were not here as Sitara was under going treatment for her heart ailment at Soura hospital. On our return late on the same day of the incident, we were told that around 7am, when Farooq was still sleeping; army came and dragged him out. He was not even properly dressed. His sister ran after him with sweater and shoes, pleading army to release him. Meanwhile, we arrived and straightway went to army pleading for our son’s release. They assured us they will return him back. Farooq had pleaded to army to let him go as he had to visit his mother in hospital at Soura, but they did not relent. We heard of some bodies being taken to Kotha by the troops. We all got sceptic for if it had been bodies of the troops they would have kept them in the camp.

    All the villagers gathered and we went to the hut encircled by the Army. We broke the siege and went inside and identified the five bodies. The bodies were in uniform so that they would pass as militants. If militants had killed them why would army bring the bodies here and at least there would have been a body of some militants but all the five were civilians. It is amply clear that army killed them. The army claimed 9 militants were killed in the encounter. Five were our kith and kins and the rest four also might have been civilians. They gave us Rs 1 lac cheques, which have not been refunded. Money can be earned but human life cannot. The only thing that will bring respite to our painful hearts is the culprits should be punished harshly”.

    The tragedy has affected the overall well being of the family members. After Farooq’s death his mother suffered a mild heart attack. “We feel scared. At daytime people visit us but at nights we are petrified, we fear the darkness. Before this incident people in this village lived peacefully. Ever since this camp was set here things became tough. They monitor our activities. Army objects to the visits paid to our house by our relatives and friends. Army says militants are present in the area. Five years have passed since I constructed house here but I have never seen a militant here.” says Siraj-ud-din.

    Mohd Sakhi’s house who is the third victim of the incident is our next halt. His wife Pachi is present at a village function, where almost all the villagers are present. Pachi has been left alone to fend for herself after her husband’s death. She does not have a child. Recalling the event she says, “In the wee hours of the morning there was loud bang and troops rushed in and took out Sakhi. He was not dressed properly as he was sleeping. I went after him and pleaded army for mercy but to no avail. Next day his dead body was returned. He had no links with any outfit .He was an innocent civilian. I have no one my parents are dead. My husband and I lived together for each other, but now I am alone. We were already depressed at that time, as just few days ago I had delivered a still baby. Even after the incident the army harass me. They say militants had come here to offer fateh (obeisance)”.

    Tragedy has not befallen the family for the first time. Shameema, Pachi’s sister-in-law has also lost her husband. She has a woeful tale to narrate “My husband Khushu Mohammad was working in state police. Nine years back, army took him and labelled him as a militant. This is a lie. They conceal their crimes by labelling innocent civilians as militants. The police refused to file an FIR. Again they have used the same tactic. Now they claim that 9 militants have been killed in an encounter. Five were our people. God knows those 4 might also be civilians and were dubbed as militants. Which democracy is this”? Laments, Shameema. She chose not to re-marry after her husband’s death and continues to live with her children. “Before the setting of this camp, things were fine but after the camp was set up our lives have become miserable and tough. Children are afraid of the omnipresent army and even feel petrified while going to school, “she adds.

    The next house we dropped in is of late Ghulam Jeelani. His brother Shameem Ahmad says, “On 6th February there was firing in the jungle, on 7th, army came and took away my brother Jeelani and then killed him along with the other four. They kept the corpses in the hut, which they would have burned down for another cock and bull story of five foreign militants killed in encounter. But their plans went haywire. They gave us cheques, but money is not compensation, guilty should be punished. Tomorrow they will take more men and say they are porters. My brother has three children, what will happen to them”.
Husna Jan w/o late Ghulam Jeelani adds, “My husband was a simple labourer, what was his fault, his death has shattered us, where will I go with my children”.

    The last of the five victims Mohd Yaqoob Bani’s house is down the slope. The house is a typical village house made of mud and cattle grazing around. Bani’s 8-month pregnant wife is speechless. Being extremely shy she refuses to comment. Her father –in-law says, “she is an introvert and still under shock. Indeed, there is no hope for her, her baby has been orphaned even before coming to this world. She had been married only for 11 months when Yaqoob was killed.” Yaqoob’s brother Yousuf who was also taken by the army escaped miraculously. He said, “In the night at about 12 O’clock army came and took me and Yaqoob. They took us forcibly to the camp. There they gave us boots and hats to wear, in the dead of the chilly night we treaded the hilly terrains with them. We kept walking all the night. In the morning, we reached the site of encounter; bullets were coming out in all directions. My brother - few yards away was hit by a bullet in his thigh. I asked army to give him some first-aid. He continued bleeding profusely without any aid and after some hours he died.

    I could not carry his body for continuous walking on snow my feet had got numb as the boots were torn off. The army wrapped him in a cloth and rolled down his body along the snow. I also came down and half dead reached the village back and then I don’t know who brought me to home. I don’t know whose bullets hit him. Whether of militants or army, I can’t say for sure.”

    This statement of his was in contrast to what he had stated earlier. In an interview to a leading newspaper Indian Express, the lone survivor Yousuf had said that his brother was not killed by any gunfire of militants as there was no encounter there. He had further stated that army took them on hill along with other locals and fired indiscriminately on them killing his brother and rest while he managed to escape in the cover of darkness. When pointed out that this was different version then his earlier version. He denied and said, “I have told the same thing to any body who asked me as this is the truth.” Was he facing threats from army to keep quiet, he denied and replied, “The army is always threatening us but as such they have not debarred me from talking to any one.”

    The tragedy doesn’t end with the killing of five innocent civilians. But there are other incidents. Farid Ahmed Mir s/o Jamal Din had also been taken by army forcibly few days back, and while treading the dangerous mountains Farid and others pleaded army to leave them. “We begged the army to leave us, they took pity and left us, we were lucky otherwise we would have been dead today.”

    Many villagers accused the army of harassing and threatening them not to talk about the issue. Their movements are closely monitored. The army is more suspicious, as the day before, a government gunman; Sher A. Khan was killed by the militants. Sher Khan was killed near camp while playing cricket.
Villagers also pointed out to a young lad Shabir whose parents were killed by militants on charge of being army informers. On 8th June 2003, militants entered the house of Mohd Shafi (42) a labourer by profession. They alleged that he was working for army. Shabbir’s pain is evident on his face as he recalls the incident, “they made me and my four siblings sit in the corner with mother. They beat my father ruthlessly. On my mother’s intervention, they sprayed indiscriminate bullets on them. I and my siblings survived as we were in other corner of the room and immediately after that they fled. I can never forget them,” his irony is that he knows the killers but can do nothing about it.” He lives with his four siblings and an aging grandfather Khaimullah.

    Immediately, after the Chittibandi killing, the government announced relief and jobs for the affected families, but the villagers are yet to receive anything. Although, the government was quick to distribute the cheques to the families but they have not been cashed.

    Moving out of the village was as difficult as entering it. The camp commander wanted to interact with us and also hear what people had to say about them. Sitting in the highly concentrated camp one wondered what the villagers must be feeling about their intruding neighbours. The camp controls the lives of the people. After 6 pm movement of villagers is prohibited and they have to furnish detailed report in case they venture out of the village. Army escorted us to Nadihal camp where the army CEO wanted to speak to us .The CEO met us and treated us hospitably. Then the Brigadier of the camp met us. He seemed to be genuinely concerned of people’s opinion about army. He wanted that army should be seen as friends of people and not as enemies. He regretted Bandipora incident denying the allegations of locals being used as human shield. He stressed that they had been hired as porters.

    The other army officers present there said that lot of militants were present in the upper ranges of Chittibandi and are intimidating people. The officers said that they had stepped up efforts to win over the hearts of people and the personnel had been directed to behave friendly with the locals.

ARMY FOUND GUILTY IN BANDIPORA

March 30: In an important development the army took action against the guilty personnel who had used civilians as human shield at Chittibandi Bandipora. The army also took action against the personnel involved in the killing at Tral. This was stated by senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and minister for finance, law and parliamentary affairs, Muzzaffar Hussain Beig. “Due to sincere and strong efforts made by PDP, action has been taken against some guilty personnel including one of their officers who allegedly used civilians as human shield at Chittibandi, Bandipora last month,” Beig said while addressing an election rally at Bomai- Sopore.

Responding to a newspapers report headlined “No civilians used as shields” which reported that army had punished soldiers involved in use of civilians as shield during an encounter with militants in Chittibandi, the General Officer Commanding (GOC)- in-C, Northern Command Lt. Gen Hari Prasad today parried the query saying that investigations in the incident were still going on. “The fact remains that the slain persons were used as porters by troops. The porters were killed in the gun battle when militants fired upon army personnel’s. Three soldiers also died in the encounter”, he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that on Feb 11, the chief of the army staff absolved the army personnel allegedly involved in the killings. Even the Governor (Retired Lt General) SK Sinha on Feb 16th giving a clean chit to the army, defended their role on the basis that the practice of using civilians as potters is a commonplace practice. Even after a month passed, the fate of the inquiry ordered in the incident is not known.

POLICE DISRUPTS APDP’S PEACE MARCH

Srinagar, March 20: Police used batons and lobbed tear smoke shells to disperse a peaceful protest march organised by the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) in this summer capital of Kashmir. Several persons sustained injuries and about 30, including the APDP Patron Parvez Imroz and President Parveena Ahangar, were taken into custody.

The incident took place when dozens of relatives of the disappeared gathered outside the APDP office in Lal Chowk (Red Square), in the heart of the city, to march towards the local office of the United Nations Military Observers Group India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The APDP had planned to submit a memorandum to the UN Working Group on Disappearances through its local office here.

Wearing masks, carrying banners and placards, the women protesters, who were later joined by some men and APDP volunteers, were however intercepted by a posse of police. Police instantly dragged the APDP Patron Parvez Imroz and bundled him into a standing vehicle.

International groups condemn use of force against APDP activists

Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearances (FIND)) based in Philippines strongly condemning the brutal Indian police action and arrest of APDP members challenged the Indian government to be true to its word in respecting human rights as it has so projected internationally.

Lawyers without borders Holland condemn the incident vowing to inform other International lawyers and Human rights Organizations about the incident on March 20.

Indonesian Association of Families of the Disappeared (IKOHI) and AFAD (The Asian federation against involuntary disappearances) have assured that it would raise the issue during the 60^th session of the United Nations commission on Human Rights.

    However, the protesters continued to offer stiff resistance. Police ruthlessly used batons against the peaceful protestors. They were beaten mercilessly with gun butts. Even the women were not spared.

    The police dragged them by pulling their clothes before bundling them into police vehicles. Parveena Ahangar was dragged up to 20 metres and beaten up. She fell unconscious and was whisked away to police station. Seventy-years-old Sayeeda was also beaten and arrested. Noor Mohammad Bhat, 65, of Pattan was hit with lathis and gun butts before his arrest. The arrestees were shifted to police station Maisuma. The other arrestees were identified as Zaina, Shaheena, Raja Bano, Shafiqa Badyari, Haleema, Ayesha, Taja Begum, Bega, Rafiqa, Shabnam, Zoona Begum, Gulshan, Jana Begum, Roshan Jan, Haleema, Fatima, Hameeda, Farida, Noor Mohd Bhat, Ghulam Nabi Shiekh, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat etc. The incident received worldwide condemnation.

    Repeated attempts by police personnel to disperse the gathering turned futile, as they kept on pushing their way out of the main road. The protestors tired to break away the barricade set up by the police. This irked the police who started thrashing the people. Against the high handedness of police, people raised slogans. They pelted stones on the policeman. In the incident four policemen were also injured. All the establishments in the area remained closed for an hour.

    Earlier while speaking to the media persons, Parvez Imroz said, “Nearly 121 persons have disappeared during the Mufti tenure. Stopping the march will falsify government’s tall claims of democracy and human rights. If they won’t allow us they will get exposed”. He added that, “government of India is showing no transparency in dealing with the disappearance cases,” adding that government should allow international Human Rights Organisations to probe the involuntary disappearances. He also castigated the political leaders for not voicing their concern over this problem. “If they can remember the anniversary of American aggression on Iraq and organise a protest against the same, why can’t they do it for people from whom they claim to have got mandate”

    The APDP while strongly condemning the police action said that the police action has exposed the hollow claims of PDP–led coalition government of putting balms on the wounds of people of Kashmir particularly the victims of human rights violation. The APDP described the police action as barbaric, unjustified and unbecoming on their part. Meanwhile, the APDP has appealed to the Indian and International Human Rights Organisations to take cognizance of the police action against the peaceful protestors and pressurize the Indian government to put an end to the enforced disappearances in Kashmir.
Later in the evening, all the arrestees were released however Parvez Imroz, Parveena Ahanger, Ghulam Mohammad and Yaseen Rah were released on bail.

LOCAL KILLED, LABELLED AS FOREIGN MERCENARY

On February 24th, 2004: Ghulam Mohammad Chopian S/o Ghulam Rasool R/o Badgam, Dulugam, Banihal left his home to sell a silver necklace to repay a debt. He never returned back again.

    Chopian was a labourer. Living in grave poverty the family faced hard times. To make both ends meet, the family started borrowing money. Chopian’s father Ghulam Rasool took one such loan of Rs 1000 from a neighbour Bashir Ahmad few months back. As the stipulated time passed, Bashir pressed hard for his money. As the pressure became frequent, the family decided to sell a silver coin necklace.

    Ghulam Rasool sent his son off to sell the necklace. On 24th, Feb, Chopian, left his home to dispose it off. Since then his whereabouts are not known. Worried the family set out for his search. The goldsmith of the town was contacted. He said that on 24th Chopian came and showed him the necklace, but the goldsmith had not brought it. Later some people saw him in Banihal Park. He was never seen again. On 27th the family came to know about the killing of militant by security forces of Janglu top army camp in an encounter. The army claimed two militants were killed but only one body was given to Banihal police station. The body was sent for post mortem. People were called for identification of body but it could not be ascertained whose body it was. Unable to identify the body, the police buried him. However, Gh Rasool became apprehensive. Not been able to locate his son he feared trouble. He rushed to the villagers called for identification and asked about the body. From their description of the dead body including the clothes of the body along with other marks of identification. He was now convinced that the body was none other than that of his son.

    On 28th he went to Banihal police station. The constable there told him to give an application to Tehsildar for exhuming the body. Tehsildar asked for a detailed report, which was provided by the SHO. Tehsildar directed the case to Divisional Commissioner (DC) who after thorough investigations allowed the exhumation of body.

    Finally on 6-3-04, the body was exhumed in presence of Tehsildar, police officers and the villagers. The body was beyond doubt of Chopian who had been killed by troops and branded as Pakistani militant. The body was later buried according to family wishes and rites. On 8-3-04 an FIR was lodged in the Police Station. SHO handed Rs 937 and the silver necklace found in Chopian’s pocket to Gh Rasool. The army in their FIR say, Chopian was a militant but they had claimed two militants were killed, but how come only one body was found, question the locals. The army spokesman said that Chopian was associated with Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and was identified as Muhammad Shahbaaz alias Abu Kotli of Pakistan.

DISAPPEARED YOUTH ‘KILLED’ IN ENCOUNTER

Farooq Ahmad Khan migrated from Kupwara in search of livelihood. He landed up with a job of baker at Rainawari, Srinagar. On 24th August 2003, Farooq along with his employer was arrested by gypsy borne armed men from the shop. The armed men were later identified as the soldiers of 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). While the employer was released, Khan was subjected to enforced disappearance.

Meanwhile, Farooq’s father Wali Mohammad made extensive efforts to locate his son but to no avail. The arresting agency denied his arrest. Certain that his son was alive in custody of soldiers, Wali was shocked when he saw a local newspaper Alsafa, on 20th October 2003, in which a photograph of his dead son was published under the caption that a Pakistani militant was shot dead while trying to storm an army camp in Nishat on 3rd September 2003.

If government is certain that they have not killed my son, why do they deny the exhumation of the dead body for post mortem. I am sure DNA match will surely confirm the fact that my son has been killed in custody and later branded as Pakistani terrorist.

    Wali rushed to the Nishat Police Station but the police there denied any knowledge about his son saying that the militant had been identified as Imtiaz Khan and not Farooq Khan.

    Moving from pillar to post to get his son’s dead body for a decent burial, Khan was turned away by the police officials concerned with the case. Wali then filed case for exhumation of the body.

    In the case titled Wali Mohammad Khan v/s State and Others bearing petition number OWP N0. 73/04, the learned judge Syed Bashirudin after hearing the counsel, on 01-03-04 made the order “directing the SHO Nishat Police station to submit a status of the investigations and the steps taken as regards the identity of the dead person”.

    However, the BSF in their counter affidavit have denied the reports of civilian killed in Nishat and branded as terrorist. They have accused the petitioner Wali Mohammad of levelling false allegations based on wrong and misstatement of the facts. It was further submitted that “on 2-9-2003 at abut 01410 hrs one militant tried to enter gate no 3 of BSF camp 57 Bn Nishat Ishber, by cutting the fence on road side and opened heavy volume of fire on sentries on duty and lobbed hand grenades The killed militant was identified as foreign militant of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM) from the identity card recovered from his procession. A FIR into the incident was lodged vide FIR No 129/03 and dead body of the militant was handed over to Nishat Police station for further disposal”

    Wali is now waiting for the order for exhumation of the body, which according to sources is buried in Batmaloo Srinagar. Wali Khan hasn’t lost hope and he vows to continue the battle for justice. “If government is certain that they have not killed my son, why do they deny the exhumation of the dead body for post mortem. I am sure DNA match will surely confirm the fact that my son has been killed in custody and later branded as Pakistani terrorist.

    A father’s instinct never lies, they have killed my son and now are even denying the body, but I will continue in my struggle for justice. Farooq was my only source of hope in life; he was the eldest of my children and shouldered all the responsibilities of the household. I have large family and no source of income. These crooks took away everything from me, even my desire to live” grieves Wali Khan while talking to The Informative Missive.

BOY KILLED

March 12: Hundreds of people in Payer Jehagir Tral, Anantnag in south Kashmir lodged a strong protest against the killing of 16-year-old watchman reportedly by troops. Protestors seek high-level probe into the incident and refused to bury the body.

According to them (protestors) the boy was working as watchman in an orchard. On being called by a patrolling party, frightened the boy who took shelter in the nearby house of Ali Mohd Khanday. The troops entered the house and without any warning showered bullets on him.

The killing of the boy evoked strong reaction from the people who took to streets and refused to bury the body unless an inquiry was ordered into the incident. No FIR has been registered by police so far. However, army spokesperson said that the army patrolling towards Payer Jehagir saw a person in suspected manner. “He was challenged but he ran towards the house. As the army persons entered into the house, he fell down from a chimney in which he was hiding. It was followed by a big explosion prompting army to open fire. Either he might have died due to grenade or fire from troops”, the spokes man said. Meanwhile, the area continued the protest for second day.

MILITANTS USE VILLAGERS AS HUMAN SHIELD TO ESCAPE

March 26: A group of militants managed to flee from the village Manyal by using a villager allegedly as human shield.

Reports said that police launched a search operation during the intervening night of March 25 and March 26, 2004, following inputs of militant’s presence in the house of Mohammad Ajam S/o Mohammad Yousuf of Manyal. Tight cordoned was laid around the house of Mohd Ajam and the militants were asked to surrender.

At along 2115 hrs, the militants came out of the house along with the house owner Ajam and also fired upon the police party. Using the house owner as human shield the militants fled from the village. Police has, however launched a hunt to nab the militants.

TRIPLE MURDER CASE
Accused bailed out, PCHR to file petition against the accused
March 25: Relatives of the deceased of Soura triple murder case today gave a press conference at the office of Public Commission on Human Rights (PCHR). The relatives held that all the accused involved in the case were acquitted and were now threatening the family members for initiating action against them. Parvez Imroz chairman Public Commission Human Rights (PCHR) intends to file a case in the J&K High Court against the Soura triple murder accused, recently enlarged on bail.

Instead of fighting the battle for justice, we have now to fight a battle to safeguard our lives. This is the tragedy and law of this land. They have threatened us and asked us to close the case and the chapter too.

    Talking to the media men, Parvez Imroz said, “The case was intentionally transferred to Jammu to help the murderers. The main accused Rashid Khan was promoted and protected by the government. The police have failed to take Khan into custody.” He further said that the case would be now taken to the High Court.

    Rashid Khan and his associates had taken three youths in their custody near Soura. After three days their dead bodies were recovered from different parts of the valley. The triple murder evoked severe reaction from the people forcing the police to register a case. Although seven people were accused but only four were in custody. One was allegedly killed by unidentified gunmen, another one was bailed out earlier and the prime accused Rashid Billa had been evading arrest.

    One of the deceased Javed Ahmad’s sister is so afraid of them that she does not even venture out from her house. Speaking to The Informative Missive she said, “Javed’s death was a big blow. We are yet to overcome that grief. We always hoped that the guilty would be punished. This hope has now been crushed with the release of these accused. Instead of fighting the battle for justice, we have now to fight a battle to safe guard our lives. This is the tragedy and law of this land. They have threatened us and asked us to close the case and the chapter too””. the relatives fear for their lives and approached the PCHR for legal help.

YOUTH SHOT IN HOUSE

March 6: Hundreds of protestors lodged a strong protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Baramulla against the alleged firing of troops on a youth inside his house. Army initiated probe.

    The protestors alleged an army patrol entered into a house at Ushkara where three youth were playing Carom. The force personnel said that some one had escaped from the lawns of the house. The youth pleaded in innocence and said no one had fled. Unimpressed by their pleas, the force personnel took one youth identified as Nasser Ahmad Bhat inside the house and allegedly shot him in his thigh.

    Horrified by the situation, the locals called on police and rescued the profusely bleeding youth. They shifted him to hospital.

    The protestors while demanding stern action against the troops said, lenient approach of the administration towards the complaints of human rights violation was a major reason, which encourages the troops.

    However, defence spokesman said that one person had fled towards the house on seeing the army patrol approach. During the subsequent operations the suspected militant fired towards the house, which resulted in the injury to the youth.

    Next day, the army said that they have started an enquiry into the incident. However, a spokesman of 19 Infantry Division said, that according to the details available with them reveals Bhat was injured in crossfire when the army personnel were making inquires from him about a suspect who is a brother of Nisar Ahmad Bhat.

16-YEAR-OLD GIRL RAPED BY IKHWANI, COMMITS SUICIDE

March 9: A teenage girl of Naidkhai, Sumbal succumbed to her injuries at SMHS hospital. Allegedly abducted and raped by an Ikhwani, She self-immolated herself a day after the incident last month. Her death sparked violent protests. The protestors carried the body of the deceased girl to Divisional Commissioner’s office and demanded the arrest and prosecution of the accused. Police instead of empathising resorted to lathi (cane) charge and use of teargas to disperse the protestors. Police took the body of the girl in their custody and didn’t allow the protestors to meet the DC and voice their demands.
Police said that a sixteen-year-old Roza Bano d/o Ghulam Nabi Dhar of Tengpora, Naidkhi set herself on fire after sprinkling kerosene on herself on February 29, 2004. According to the family a notorious Ikhwani Manzoor Ahmad Dar alias Cobra abducted Roza on February 28, 2004 and released her the same day.

Next day she set herself on fire. The family alleged the girl was raped by the accused. Post mortem report is awaited. Police is in look out of the accused that has fled his home and shifted his family members to some unknown place.

SHRC takes cognizance
March 11: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) took suo moto cognizance of the news report “gunman rapes woman” and directed Inspector General of Police to furnish detailed report of about the incident within week’s time. It also directed SSP Ganderbal to arrest the accused government gunman within 24 hrs and submit the compliance report to the commission.

11 KASHMIRIS ARRESTED OUTSIDE KASHMIR

March 29: Eleven labourers of Banihal tehsil of south Kashmir were taken into custody by Punjab Police (PP) from different Punjab regions.

    According to the relatives of these arrested persons, all were working as labourers in Punjab for more than a decade. Engaged by Punjab Police Force as labourers, they received severe thrashing on demand of more wages. “They were beaten up and whisked away to some unknown destination,” alleged one of the relatives of these labourers.

    The relatives alleged that the labourers were arrested by Phagwara, Gilas, Bharam, Panhharpur, Mubarakpur, Chindigarh and Mastapur- Jalandhar police stations between March 20 and 24, 2004.
They identified them as Muhammad Abdullah s/o Ghulam Hassan, Farooq Ahmed s/o Abdullah, Alif din s/o Kama, Abdul Rasheed s/o Khuda Baksh, Muhammad Sadiq s/o Muda Baksh, Ali Mohd s/o Abdullah, Shafiatta Mohd s/o Noora Mohd Shafi s/o Noora, Ali Mohd s/o Raj Wali and Bashir s/o Baksha all residents of Akharani Bawa of Mahu Mangat area of Doda district about 25 km from Banihal township belong to gujjar community.

    The relatives of these workers alleged that the police was harassing the people of J&K and demanding huge amount of money in exchange of their release.

KASHMIRIS ALLEGE HARASSMENT IN TRAIN

    On the night of 22nd February 2004, four Punjab policemen for frisking awakened four Kashmiri businessmen travelling from Jammu to Delhi in Jhelum Express. “Finding nothing, they threatened us with detention and torture and finally demanded money”, said Mohsin one of the four travellers.

    On being refused to pay, the policeman ordered them to accompany them to the office of some police officer. Adding further he said “I was frightened as they can go to any extent to get money. They can cook up stories and brand us anything. We finally offered them Rs. 1000 with the plea to leave us alone,” However, the extortionists were emboldened by the efforts and asked for more.

    Many Kashmiris complain of such routine treatment meted out to them at the hands of Punjab police. Prabjeet Singh, studying in GB Pant University encountered similar incident on his way to the university by Sealdah Express. Recalling the incident he said, “I was accompanied by a senior Kashmiri student pursuing PHD from the same university. He often travels with me to university just to escape in lieu of being with a member of Sikh community. On that day a Punjab policeman came and after knowing we were Kashmiris, started frisking us. Even I was not spared. He checked our luggage and it hardly mattered that we had anything but books with us. The policeman took currency notes from our pocket and putting them in front of his eyes searched for IED explosives and weapons inside it. This is the humiliation we suffer. How long is it going to continue’’ Cases like these are innumerable.

    It may be noted that last year on July 14, a noted Kashmiri singer Ghulam Nabi Sheikh was killed by Punjab police while he was travelling in a Delhi bound train along with his daughter. His death created a storm in the valley. Many people time and again have appealed the state government to take up the matter with Punjab Government but nothing has been done to stop it.

    A delegation of the aggrieved passengers has urged the state government to take up the issue with the Punjab government and relieve them from the perpetual trauma.

IKHWANI - POLICE HAND IN GLOVE

Mar 17: Residents from Bemina, Srinagar staged a demonstration at Lal Chowk, the main market hub of Srinagar against the extortion demand by an Ikhwani. The protestors alleged the police have hand in glove with the Ikhwanis in extortions.

    Reports revealed, police allegedly arrested two civilians Ghulam Mohd Bhat S/o Mohammad Qasim Bhat and Mohd Yousuf Bhat S/o Mohd Akbar Bhat of Goripora Bemina on the behest of an Ikhwani Nazir Ahmad Bhat S/o Mohd Jammal Bhat. Thereafter, the families of arrestees were asked for ransom. They (protestors) further alleged that the Ikhwani was associated with troops and STF before joining Border Security Forces (BSF) on full time basis. Using the affiliation of Ikhwani Parimpora police are using him to extort money from the civilians.

    Father of one of the detained Mohd Akbar said that last month he had paid Rs. 5000 to policemen of Parimpora police station to get his son Yousuf released from their custody. He said, the other detainee, Ghulam Mohd Bhat - physically challenged could not be in a position to pay the ransom. He was therefore not released. The residents alleged that they were harassed in the name of conducting unwarranted searches.

    Altaf Ahmed, a civilian said that Nazir Ahmad had threatened many youth in the area and taken Rs. 10000 from them. He said they were continuously being threatened. The protestors have asked government to look into the matter or else their lives were endangered.

NOCTURNAL BEASTS” REAPPEAR

March 7: People in Shirpora, Anantnag in south Kashmir nabbed a soldier of 7 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) when he allegedly knocked the doors of some houses and hurled stones at them at around 9 pm.

The drunken soldier identified as Kavitsar Singh of 7 RR, by SSP, Anantnag, was handed over to police after being caught by them. He tried to attack his captors with a knife, the residents said. His clothes were torn apart by the irate residents while resisting his action. The residents of the area said that for the past fifteen days some persons were throwing stones at their houses during nights. The unidentified men also knocked at the doors regularly and many persons were reportedly attacked when they responded to the knocks. The incident had reminded people of “face tearing beasts,” which created panic among Kashmiris in early 90’s.

An FIR 83/2004 under section 307, 506, and 441 has been lodged against the soldier who belonged to RR camp, high ground Fatehgarh in Shirpora area.

POLICE SHIELDING KILLER IKHWANI; ALLEGE RESIDENTS
SHRC takes cognizance, asks police to ensure safety of witnesses.

March 26: Taking suo motto cognizance of alleged murder of a civilian by an Ikhwani the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) today directed the SP Kupwara to ensure the security and the safety of the witnesses of the case. The Ikhwani is being allegedly shielded by some police officials.

    A complaint was lodged before the commission by the residents of Surigam Kupwara led by Lal Din Mir S/o Alif Din. He stated that an Ikhwani Nazir Ahmad Ganie s/o Fathah Ganie of Surigam on the night of January 18, 2004 forced his entry into the house of Shair-u-din and demanded Rs 20,000 from him. When the ransom was refused the Ikhwani fired indiscriminately upon the inmates killing Shair-u- din on the spot. Lal din Mir, cousin of slain Shair-u-din was also wounded in the incident.

    The incident evoked strong reaction from the people who came on the streets and lodged protests. The protest forced the police to arrest the accused. A case was registered against the Ikhwani under sec 302 RPC.

    In their complaint to SHRC, the residents have alleged that SHO Sogam and DSP Kupwara were pressurizing them to retract from their testimonies and withdraw the case.

    Taking strong exception to the complaint, the SHRC chairman Justice AM Mir today said, “The commission is shocked to find that the accused is being allowed to function in such away. No person in this country is above the law howsoever important or influential he may be” justice Mir observed.

    Justice Mir has directed the Inspector General of police to present factual report before the commission about the case.

TROOPS DESTROY HOUSE

March 5: Residents of Kaner Chadoora held massive protests against the destruction of a house during a fake encounter. They also protested the arrest of the house owner’s son.

    The personnel of Rashtriya Rifles and police task force last night cordoned the house of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Nengro. The troops asked the family members to come out of the house and immediately started firing on the house. While some of the family members managed to come out, others were caught up inside the house.

    The residents of the area said that troops claimed that two militants were hiding in the house. Troops continued the firing and shelling on the house through out the night. In the morning a group of civilians pressed by troops to go inside the devastated house were taken aback to found that only family members were inside the house.

    When troops came to know about it they again started firing on the house and lobbed several mortar shells destroying the house. Troops later cordoned the area and subjected the residents to identification parades. The personnel of Special Task Force of police took into custody Ghulam Mohammad, S/o Ghulam Mohi-ud-din the house owner.

    When the siege was lifted in the afternoon, people came out on streets and strongly protested the ‘mock gun battle’ and the arrest of Ghulam Mohd. The residents also alleged that the troops destroyed the house despite Ghulam Mohi-ud-din’s assurance that no militant was hiding here.

    However, a defence spokesperson said that security forces managed to rescue five civilian hostages from a house in Hanjura village where militants had taken shelter.

DRIVERS PROTESTS MANHANDLING

March 2: Mini bus drivers today lodged a strong protest against the severe beating of two drivers by police and BSF in two different incidents.

The agitated drivers of Graduate Mini bus driver Association (GMDA) alleged that police personal near Lala Rukh hotel beat up a mini bus driver this morning. Identified as Arshid Ahmad Bhat, he was pulled down from his vehicle. He was seriously injured and was immediately rushed to SMHS hospital where he is stated to be out of danger. The transporters lodged strong protest against the incident and brought the matter before the Superintendent of police (SP) east. GMDA chairman Mohammad Yousuf said unless police and other security agencies change their harsh behaviour towards transporters, they will go for a strike.

In yet another case a driver was beaten to the pulp by the BSF personnel posted near the Government College of Education, for not obeying their orders. The driver was given a severe thrashing for no fault of his.

WOMAN’S NOSE CHOPPED OFF

March 10: On Tuesday night (9th March), some masked gunmen chopped off the nose of a woman in Awura village of Kupwara .The husband of the woman suspects an Ikhwani’ for the assault. The woman named Shamima w/o Hakam Din Khatana of Manwan; Awura in Kupwara district was abducted by Ikhwani Mohammad Shafi Payar three months ago. The abductor took her to Rajasthan where she was recovered by police and handed over to her husband. Tuesday night three masked gunmen entered the house of Shamima with a knife and chopped her nose. She was taken to a Srinagar hospital. Her husband suspects the Ikhwani Payar and his accomplice behind the attack.

ARMY GUTS DOWN HOUSES, WOMEN BURNT TO DEATH

On the intervening night of 29th February and 1st March, 12 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) troops stationed in Doligam, Banihal gutted down an entire village of Nowkot. 35 houses were burnt and a woman lost her life. Mistaking some fire shots as a Fidayeen attack, the army set the whole area ablaze. In the horrendous fire 35 houses of the area were damaged, 15 completely razed to ground and 20 suffered heavy damages. While the inhabitants managed to safe guard their lives, one woman Shameema w/o Lassu was roasted alive in the fire. Others who were injured in the fire were identified as follows Ghulam Mohd s/o Abdul Aziz, Mohd Yousuf s/o Abdullah, Mohd Ramzan s/o Abdul Aziz, Mohd Ibrahim s/o Abdul Rehman, Mohd Ramzan s/o Abdullah, Bashir Ahmad s/o Mohd Ramzan, Moulvi Abdul Gaffer, Moulvi Siddiq s/o Abdul Rehman, Lassu s/o Ahmad, Abdul Rashid, Mushtaq Ahmadf s/o Qadir, Mohd Yousuf s/o Kabir and Mohd Ibrahim s/o Bashir Ahmad.

SURANKOTE DIARY

FORCES KILL 45-YEAR-OLD

On 28th March: In the Peer Panchal mountain range, troops of 25 and 16 Rashtriya rifles (RR) took Ghulam Ahmed S/O Mahda Joo R/O Sangla Surankote, a 45-year-old farmer, with them on pretext of guiding them on their way to the mountains.

According to the family members, just 300 meters away from his house the forces killed Ghulam Ahmed. Zulaikha w/o Ghulam Ahmed while speaking to The Informative Missive said, “The army later forced us to give in writing that militants had actually abducted and killed my husband, and at that time we succumbed under pressure. The army in their FIR has mentioned that Ghulam Ahmed was working as a porter and was killed during the encounter with militants. This is a lie and we have contested the claims by army.” Ghulam Ahmed has three children two sons and one daughter. The girl child, Haneefa is a cancer patient. “After the death of my husband my life and the future of my children is shattered,” said Zulaikha.

According to the locals the police have refused to register the FIR as they argued it had been already registered.

NEWS IN BRIEF

* FATHER, SON KILLED
March 1: Militants killed two persons at their residence at Baghe Sangria Kellar in Pulwama district. Militants forcibly entered into the house of Mohd Akbar Wani and kidnapped him along his son Manzoor Ahmad Wani at gunpoint. They were later taken to a field where they were killed.

* GRENADE ATTACK
March 1: Militants today lobbed a grenade at CRPF vehicle near hotel Falak at Lal Ded hospital road. It missed the intended target and exploded on the road. In the incident 14 persons including four women were injured. They were taken to hospital where condition of some is said to be critical.

* HIZB COMMANDER KILLED IN CUSTODY
March 2: Abdul Rasheed Khanday, Hizb Commander Battalion from Chandoora was allegedly killed in custody of security forces. Rashid was picked up from a mosque at Chadoora when he was offering morning prayers. Troops from 76bn cordoned off the mosque and arrested Rashid.

    At 10: 30 am his body was handed over to Chandoora police station. The army claimed that Rasheed was killed in an encounter.

* SOLDIER ASKS FOR VOTER CARDS
March 3 Srinagar: Border security force (BSF) soldiers today snatched the identity cards of scores of pedestrians at Lal Chowk. They urged the persons to keep their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India with them. When shopkeepers and pedestrians questioned the need for the voter card, the soldier refused to answer. It may be mentioned here that those who do not figure in the voter list of the election commission cannot get the voter card.

* 2933 KILLED SINCE 2002
March 4: At least 2933 people have been killed in various militancy related incidents across the state since 2002 till date. Meanwhile, 378 people have died since 1996 due to firing in the border areas of the state. As per the data available from the government sources, 1570 people have died in various militancy related incidents in Kashmir division, while 1363 have been killed in Jammu region.

* POLICE TAKE UP HR ISSUE WITH ARMY UNIT
March 5: Police authorities in Baramulla took the issue of human rights violation with the troops after villagers made the representation to the district authorities. Around 100 villagers in Dolipora, Pattan visited Baramulla and levelled allegations against the troops of 29 RR with the SSP. Later the police summoned the particular officials to avoid creating problems for the villagers.

* SECURITY FORCES ARREST WOMEN
March 9: A woman alleged to be a militant sympathiser was apprehended by security forces from the Keran sector of Poonch district. Troops alleged to recover a wireless set and some incriminating documents from her possession. She has been identified as Hameeda begum R/o Pakistan. After brief interrogation by the army she was handed over to the Poonch police.

* CIVILIAN SHOT DEAD BY MILITANTS IN GOOL
March 9: Militants shot dead a person after abducting him on the intervening night of March 6 and March 7, 2004 from village Janori Deeda in Gool. Identified as Mohammad Abdullah Najar S/o Ahmadoo R/o Deeda, his body was recovered in the nearby forest. Militants also abducted his son Basharat Ahamad. His whereabouts were yet to be ascertained. Police and security forces have started hunt to trace the abducted civilian.

* ABDUCTED MAN SHOT DEAD IN SHOPIAN
March 13: Police said unidentified gunman kidnapped Kaka Piswal of Katha Hallan in Shopian. He was later shot dead at Chechimarg.

* 2 BLASTS VICTIMS SUCCUMB
March 15: Two persons critically injured in an explosion at Wadipora Handwara yesterday, succumbed to their injuries in hospital today. They were identified as Sarwar Ahmad Dar and Abdul Majid Mir. Six persons were injured in Wadipora blast which occurred as children started fiddling with an abandoned grenade. A powerful IED explosion occurred in Shopian Township this afternoon, however, no damage was done.

PAKISTANI UNIFORM INCURS BSF WRATH
March 8: The winds of peace are blowing across the sub continent. However the cricket loving teenagers in Natipora in north Kashmir were beaten by soldiers of Border Security Forces (BSF) for wearing green colored uniform signifying Pakistan during a cricket match. “The soldiers of 145 Bn BSF stationed at Natipora Chanapora belt suddenly came on the ground and thrashed some players for wearing green uniform: a youth said on condition of anonymity. The intervention of the residents prevented the matters from flaring up. However, Public relation officer (PRO) of BSF refuted the allegation as baseless.

* 4 DIE IN KHREW ATTACK
March 11: Four people including a civilian were killed when militants holed up inside a girl’s school traded fire with troops after attacking an army camp in Khrew in Pulwama district.

    The two militants let all the students and teachers to exit the government run school ahead of a day long duel with besieging troops in which both militants were killed. A woman in the vicinity was shot dead in cross firing, a local police officer said. One of the soldiers died at army hospital and the condition of others remains critical. Another person also succumbed to injuries. The people of Khrew staged a protest against the killings of innocent civilians in the encounter.

* CIVILIAN SHOT
March 15: Suspected militants shot dead a civilian in Kainth Budhan area of Gool.
The deceased was identified as Gulzar Ahmad, S/o Mohammad Qasim Lahar of Thuroo tehsil Mahore. His bullet-ridden body was recovered from Kainth near Gool. Police has taken cognizance.

* 13 INJURED IN BLASTS
March 15: Twelve persons were injured in a grenade explosion near Wazir Bagh this afternoon. The incident took place when suspected militants hurled a grenade towards forces vehicle. It missed the intended target and fell on the roadside injuring many civilians. The injured were identified as Firdous Khaliq s/o Abdul Khaiq of Gadoora Pulwama, Parvez Ahmad S/o Jalaludin of Eidgah, Muhammad Rafiq Dar and Shabir Dar S/o Muhammad Ismail of Barzullah, Muhammad Abdullah S/o Ghulam Ahmad of Lal Mandi, Indoo D/o Gurcharan Singh of Wazir bagh, Zahoor Ahmad S/o Wali Muhammad of zero bridge, Noor Mohammad S/o Abdul Khaliq of Pulwama, Ghulam Qadir S/o Abdur Rehman of Chadoora, Ali Mohammad S/o Ghulam Mohammad of Islambad, Mohammad Yousuf S/o Ghulam Rasool of Chare-e Sharief and Asimah D/o Bashir Ahmad of Sonwar. In another incident militants lobbed a grenade towards a forces picket at Ranbir Bhawan on Exchange road in Srinagar. One cop was injured in the explosion.

* IED IN SKIMS OPD
March 15: An improvised Explosive device (IED) was recovered from the out patient department (OPD) of SKIMS by police. Averting a major catastrophe it was blasted outside the hospital. The police officials claim it could have resulted into the loss of ten precious lives. The remote controlled two kilograms of IED was found in the garbage box near the OPD. Its presence created panic among the patients, attendants and the hospital staff. A civilian got sceptic of an object outside OPD and informed the police. The hospital security staff was not aware of its presence.

* POLICE TAKE AWAY SAHARA VEHICLE
March 17: Police forcibly took vehicle of Sahara TV channel at Islamabad and used it for five hours. A police official while asking the cameraperson of the TV channel, who was driving the vehicle to enjoy till they return, reportedly lifted the vehicle bearing number JKO1F 6521.On his resistance, they reportedly told him that police officials have mandate to lift anybody’s vehicle. Showing ignorance, SHO Islamabad police station said “Why should we lift other people’s vehicle when we have so many at our disposal? If someone has taken their vehicle, they should have informed us, we would have helped them in tracing out the vehicle”, he said.

* COPS ARRESTED
March 20: Police stationed at Kupwara arrested two cops and a civilian on charges of providing shelter to militants. The arrested cops have been identified as Mohammad Maqbool and Mohammad Anwar. However the identity of the civilian could not be ascertained.

* PAMPORE RESIDENTS BEATEN UP
March 21: Many persons were beaten by the troops during a search operation going on for the last two days in Naritan, Mohallad, and Samboora in Pampore. The cordon took place on the night of March 19. The forces gathered all the residents in the open field and conducted searches of the houses. Sources said many people were severely beaten up during the search operations in which forces claimed to have recovered huge quantities of arms and ammunitions from the house of one Ghulam Nabi Zargar S/o Ghulam Mohammad.

* MINOR KILLED, 5 OF A FAMILY INJURED IN MYSTERIOUS BLAST
March 21: A minor (4) was killed and five others of a family including three minor girls and a minor boy were injured in a mysterious explosion. The incident took place in the house of one Fateh Mohammad Gujjer, R/o Tanka, under the jurisdiction of police station Banihal in Doda district.

    During the intervening night of March 19 an explosion took place in the house of Fateh in which his minor son Arif was killed while another son Sadiq and three minor daughters Fatima (13), Marian (10), and Zahida( 5) were injured. His wife Hazara begum was also injured in the explosion. All the injured were immediately rushed to Banihal hospital.

    Unconfirmed reports said that it was a hand grenade lobbed by the militants when the family was having dinner.

* MINOR KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED IN BLAST
March 24: A minor was killed; another injured in a grenade explosion. Both the boys were playing in the field at village Nadian when they found the object lying there. One of the boys picked it up and both started playing with it, the object exploded with a bang resulting in the death of one boy and injury to other. The deceased has been identified as Zubair Ahmad (11) S/o Mohammad Din of Naduian while the injured as Zafar Iqbal (7) S/o Mohammad Azam, R/o Nadian village of Hari Buddha under the jurisdiction of police station Mandi in Poonch district.

* CIVILIAN ‘SHOT DEAD’ BY MILITANTS
March 24: Police recovered an elderly man’s body from Mastan Budhan area of Gool on March 23. Claiming him to be a civilian, police accused militants for killing him on mere suspicion of being security force informer. The deceased has been identified as Noor Mohammad, 70, S/o Qaddir Gujjar of Mastan. According to reports militants kidnapped him from his house during the intervening night of March 22 and 23 and shot him dead in the adjoining forest area.

* CIVILIAN INJURED IN IED BLAST
A civilian Muhammad Sultan Lone R/o Sogam, Kupwara was wounded in an improvised Explosive device (IED) blast on 23rd March night in Sogam area. He was taken to hospital where his condition is stated to be critical.

* SOLDIER DIES MYSTERIOUSLY
March 26: An army jawan died under mysterious circumstances inside 213 Transit camp at Gandhi Nagar Jammu. Reports revealed that constable Nitan Sira of 38 Rashtriya Rifles died due to bullet shots. when his weapon went off accidentally. He was on guard duty.

* CENTRE TO REVIEW 12 POTA CASES
New Delhi March 30: The centre may review about dozen of cases booked under POTA as demanded by Hurriyat Conference (A) faction. This was decided during second round of talks with the deputy Prime Minister, L.K Advani.

    The list mainly comprises Shabir Ahmad Dar, Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, Zamrooda Anjum, Saifudin Bhat and Raja Ghulam Mohi-ud-din. Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested all of them for allegedly acting as conduit for supplying money to militant outfits active in Jammu and Kashmir. After the meeting with Hurriyat on March 27, the Dy PMs said that government was likely to consider some of the POTA cases.

WOMEN-CHILDREN KILLED

March 1: A mentally retarded woman lost his life when militants and security forces exchange heavy fire at Nowkote, Duligam, Banihal. The deceased has been identified as Shameema Begum, 40, wife of Ghulam Rasool of Nowkote.

March 9: A teenage girl of Naidkhai, Sumbal who was allegedly abducted and raped by an Ikhwani indulged in self-immolation, a day after her abduction. She succumbed to her injuries at SMHS hospital yesterday. Her death sparked violent protests.

March 11: A woman was killed when militants and army exchange heavy fire at Khrew, Khanmoh in South Kashmir. The deceased has been identified as Rafiqa.

* Another woman succumbed to her injuries, which she had received in a grenade blast on March 10 at Wadwan in Budgam. The deceased has been identified as Azi.

March 12: Unidentified gunmen allegedly first kidnapped a girl and later shot her dead at Veeri, Pulwama. The deceased has been identified as Imtiyaza Jehangir of Pulwama.

March 21: A minor lost his life while five other including three minors received multiple injuries when a hand grenade threw by some unidentified persons went off inside the house of one Fateh Mohd Gujjar of Tanka area of Banihal. The deceased was identified as Arif son of Fateh Mohd while as the injured minor as Fatima,13, Marian, 10 and Zahida, 5. Immediately, after the blast the injured were rushed to the hospital to save their lives.

March 24: In yet another incident of fiddling with a lying explosion a minor was killed and another received injuries when they were playing cricket at Nadian village in Poonch district of Jammu division.
The deceased has been identified as, Zubair Ahmad, 11, son of Mohammad Din of Nadian.

March 27: A 12-year-old girl died in mysterious blast at Marh Kullian village in Pargwal sector of police station Khour yesterday evening. The deceased has been identified as Nishu Devi D/o Rattan Lal of Pindi (Domana). Sources said that the girl found a live shell in the garbage and it exploded when she started fiddling with it.

March 31: Unidentified gunmen shot dead Nigena Akhtar D/o Ghulam Nabi Shah R/o Shahabad, Awantipora. A case has been registered.

KILLINGS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

CHRONOLOGY OF MARCH INCIDENTS

Mar 1: Two People’s Democratic Party activists, four militants and four civilians including a woman were killed, meanwhile, scores of people received multiple injuries in separate incidents of violence across the state.
Mar 2: A soldier, one government sponsored gunman and a militant were killed in various incidents of violence.
Mar 3: Four policemen, three militants, a prisoner and a civilian died at different places of the state.
Mar 4: Six militants and a civilian were killed at different places in violence related incidents.
Mar 5: Four militants were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 6: Three Militants and Two civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 7: Three militants were killed in violence related incidents.
Mar 8: Eight militants were killed in separate incidents of violence while police recovered a dead body of a youth from Pulwama who allegedly kidnapped by unidentified gunmen few days ago.
Mar 9: A private school teacher and two militants were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 10: Two militants, a soldier, and a minor died in separate incidents of violence across the state.
Mar 11: Four militants, one-army personnel, two women, PDP activist and a released militant were killed in different incidents of violence.
Mar 12: Three militants, a girl and a civilian, were killed at different places in violent incidents meanwhile police recovered two dead body from two separate place one of the dead police presumed was of a militant.
Mar 13: Five Militants and a civilian were killed in different incidents of violence across the state.
Mar 14: Two Lassker-e-Tayeeba and an HM Div Commander were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 15: Six civilians were killed at different places in violence related incidents.
Mar 16: One militant and a retired police officer were killed in violence related incidents while a civilian lost his life when hit by a military vehicle.
Mar 17: Four civilians and two militants were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 18: Seven militants including a divisional commander and a Janta Dal activist were killed in different incidents of violence across the state.
Mar 19: Three militants, a soldier and a Special Police Officer died in several incidents of violence across the state.
Mar 20: Five Hizbul Mujahideen Militants, Four unidentified Militants and a Security person were killed in separate incidents of violence while Police recovered a dead body from Monishwar Rajpora.
Mar 21: Two militants, a soldier, a Special Police Office and a minor were killed in different incidents of violence.
Mar 22: Six militants, a Special Police Officer and a civilian were killed in violence related incidents while police recovered a dead body identified as Mohammad Yousuf Khatana from Malapora forests in Shalimar.
Mar 23: A militant was reported dead in an encounter, which broke out between militants and security forces in Nasoo, Bandipora.
Mar 24: Four militants and a minor were killed in separate incidents of violence while police recovered a dead body of an alleged security forces informer who was reportedly kidnapped by militants few days ago.
Mar 25: One civilian was shot dead by an unidentified Gunman in Pulwama while Zubair Ahmed, an eleven years old boy died in an explosion.
Mar 26: Three militants, one STF associate and two soldiers were killed in various incidents of violence.
Mar 27: Two civilians including a girl were killed while two civilians received injuries in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 28: Two Militants, Two SPOs and a civilian were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Mar 29: A Hizbul Mujahideen Militant, an unidentified militant and a soldier were killed in different militancy related incidents across the state.
March 30: Three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in Surankote encounter.
March 31: Two Lassker-e-Tayeeba militants and two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in separate incidents of violence.

Mar 24

Total

KILLINGS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

SOLDIERS

Mar 1

TOTAL

CHRONOLOGY OF MARCH INCIDENTS

DATE	EXTRA JUDICIAL EXECUTIONS & CUSTODIAL KILLINGS	WOMEN KILLED	CHILDREN KILLED	ALLEGED DISAPPEARANCES
Mar 01	*	1	*	*
Mar 09	*	*	1	*
Mar 11	*	2	*	*
Mar 12	1 EJE	*	1	*
Mar 17	*	*	*	1
Mar 21	*	*	1	*
Mar 24	*	*	1	*
Mar 25	*	*	*	1
Mar 27	*	*	1	*
Mar 29	*	*	*	2
Mar 31	*	1	*	*
Total	1	4	5	4

DATE	SOLDIERS	MILITANTS	CIVILIANS	OTHERS
Mar 1	-	4	4	2 political activists
Mar 2	1	1	-	1 government sponsored gunman
Mar 3	4	3	1	1 prisoner
Mar 4	-	6	1	-
Mar 5	-	4	-	-
Mar 6		3	2	-
Mar 7		3	-	-
Mar 8	-	8	-	1 a dead body recovered
Mar 9	-	2	1	-
Mar 10	1	2	1	-
Mar 11	1	4	2	1 released militant & a political activist
Mar 12	-	3	2	2 a dead body recovered
Mar 13	-	5	1	-
Mar 14	-	3	--	-
Mar 15	-		6
Mar 16	-	1	1	1 (retired police officer)
Mar 17	-	2	4
Mar 18	-	7	-	1 political activist
Mar 19	2	3	-	-
Mar 20	1	9	-	1 a dead body recovered
Mar 21	2	2	1	-
Mar 22	1	6	1	-
Mar 23	-	1	-	-
Mar 24	-	4	1	1 a dead body recovered
Mar 25	-		2	-
Mar 26	3	3	-	-
Mar 27	-		2	-
Mar 28	2	2	1	-
Mar 29	1	2	-	-
Mar 30	-	3	-	-
Mar 31	-	4	-	-
TOTAL	19	100	34	13