‘Ensure families get chance to perform last rites of slain as per wishes’
Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jan 01 (KNO): The former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti on Friday shot a letter to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and urged him to initiate an impartial probe into the Hokersar gunfight that raged on December 30.
In a letter, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Mehbooba has said that the families should get a chance to perform last rites as per the wishes.
“I am sure you are aware of the unfortunate incident at Parimpora on 30th December. Three boys, the youngest being all of 17 years old were killed in what the family has alleged to be a staged gunfight.
This incident has come close on the heels of an enquiry report that held an Army captain guilty & responsible for a fake encounter at Amshipora in Shopian. Again the three victims now established as innocent through an investigation were killed & later dubbed as militants,” Mehbooba said in a letter to LG Sinha.
“You and I may not agree on most political matters that concern J&K but I am certain we agree that such incidents bring disrepute to the armed forces & are a grave violation of human rights,” she added.
“I am aware that the administration is apprehensive about returning their dead bodies to the families
but this callous decision will only exacerbate their sense of loss & pain. One hopes that you will rethink this decision & allow them to get closure. A mother who grieves the sudden & tragic death of
her beloved son shouldn’t be deprived of the last chance to see his face. Nor does she deserve to have to beg for his dead body. This is simply inhuman & unacceptable,” the former chief minister said.
“I urge you to intervene & ensure that these families get a chance to perform the last rites as per their wishes. Questions are also looming over this encounter & there are conflicting versions & reports from police & the army. Justice can be served only if its swift & therefore I request you to initiate an impartial investigation into the matter immediately,” she demanded—(KNO)
