Protesters block the Rajouri-Jammu highway following the death of two local youths in alleged firing by the sentry of an army camp in Rajouri on December 16, 2022. Photo Credit: PTI
The army found itself in the dock on Saturday over civilian killings, a day after it claimed that Two youths died in the firing of terrorists Outside an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as well as BJP state president Ravinder Raina criticized the killings and pressed for a high-level inquiry.
Facing public outrage, Mr. Sinha announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the two youths killed in the firing. Mr. Sinha also termed the incident as “very unfortunate”.
“The value of life cannot be quantified in monetary terms, but still I announce an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each affected family,” Mr Sinha said.
Taking a tough stand, the BJP has demanded a high-level probe by the army as well as the police on the lines of the 2020 Shopian fake encounter where three youths were killed and passed off as terrorists by the army.
“A high-level inquiry should be initiated in the matter by the Army. The police should also form a special investigation team. There should be a transparent inquiry into the manner in which the killing of three innocent youths of Rajouri in Shopian (encounter in 2020) was investigated and action taken against Army personnel,” Mr. Raina said.
The BJP has also taken up the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief of the Northern Command and the General Officer Commanding of the 25 Infantry Division. “Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh has also agreed to investigate the matter,” Mr. Raina said.
Describing the killing of two innocent youths as “tragic and painful”, Mr Raina said, “Those responsible must face the rule of law. This country is run under the Constitution. No one is above the Constitution. It is equal for all.” I hope that the army will show complete seriousness and transparency while investigating the matter.
“I spoke to LG Manoj Sinha and DGP Dibag Singh and demanded a high-level inquiry. The DGP agreed to this. LG also spoke to the family. He (LG) has assured that justice will be served,” Mr Raina said.
Meanwhile, top officials of the civil administration and security agencies attended the last rites of the two victims, Kamal Kumar and Surinder Kumar, in Rajouri. The army said on Friday that two youths working as porters in the army were killed in the firing by terrorists at the camp. However, the army’s statement has been opposed by the local people and families.
Top Army officials met the protesting locals on Friday and assured “full support of the Army in the matter”. Following the killings, locals pelted stones at an army camp.
National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the killings and demanded a time-bound probe.