The Valley simmers a day after three protesters were killed in a firing by security forces. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed as Kashmir broke into protests over the alleged molestation of a teenage girl by a soldier. Curfews have been imposed in the most affected regions of Handwara and capital Srinagar with businesses and schools shut down for effect.
Among those dead is a 54 year old, Raja Begum who wasn't even part of the protest; just unfortunate timing as she was tending her vegetable garden nearby when a bullet hit her. The other two were young boys, 21 year old Iqbal Farooq Pir who was shot in the face and died on the spot and 22 year old Nayeem Qadir Bhat who took a cap to his chest.
Protests began after a Kashmiri schoolgirl was molested by an Army man in a public convenience in Handwara. An angry mob began to allegedly throw stones at an Army picket when the soldiers reportedly opened fire. Several civilians have been injured and are currently undergoing treatment in local hospitals. Struck by tear gas shells, at least 19 are admitted for medical care. However, conflicting reports have emerged as some eyewitnesses say a soldier from the 21 Rashtriya Rifles molested a class 12 student in a bathroom close to an Army bunker and on the other side, a video released by the Army show the girl being harassed by a local. It further claims the girl denied being molested by a soldier and that her molesters later took part in the protests against the Army. Source of the video is still unclear.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who has assured a probe into the matter with a definite punishment for the culprits. Mufti called the incident “very unfortunate” and said, “I spoke to the Defence Minister. He assured me that a probe will be initiated and the culprits will be punished. At the same time the family will be compensated. Such incidents should not happen in the future.” The CM has openly stated her views saying the such incidents “cannot” be tolerated and the security personnel involved in the killing of civilians will be handed exemplary punishment.
A criminal case has been lodged in the district police station. The Indian Army in an official statement, has expressed regret over the loss of life and initiated an inquiry into the incident. “Army deeply regrets the unfortunate loss of life. The matter will be investigated and anybody found guilty, will be dealt as per the law,” said an army official.
