Inquiry by Army, Police & Magistrate; “Terrorists opened fire” said injured
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, Dec 16: In an alleged incident of mistaken identity, reportedly a sentry at a gate of Army’s Alfa TCP at Phalyana in Rajouri Township opened fire on three persons at about 6.15 am out of which two were killed on the spot while the third is under treatment in Associated Hospital & Government Medical College (AH&GMC) Rajouri.
After the shocking incident the White Knight Corps in a Tweet said: “In an early morning firing incident by unidentified terrorists at Rajouri near Military Hospital, there has been fatal causalities of two individuals. The police, security forces and civil administration officials are on the site.”
But in the late evening development injured Anil Kumar in a brief statement said that two persons attempted to enter his room at about 6.15 am.
“When asked to explain their purpose, they tried to thrash me, and in a physical clash one among them opened fire on me and left towards road side (TCP)” said the injured.
His statement has authenticated the Army’s claim that both the civilians were killed in terrorist firing and not by the sentry.
The deceased are cousins brothers and also resident of village Phalyana while the injured, identified as Anil Kumar (39) s/o Bali Ram, is a resident of Utrakhand & presently working as a helper in a shop inside the TCP complex.
As per the brother of the deceased Kamal, it was the daily routine of both the deceased to reach TCP between 6 & 7 am for their routine work.
The deceased have been identified as Kamal Kumar and Surinder Kumar and were running a fast food business in a rented shop inside the TCP complex.
Phalyana (ward No: 15 of Rajouri MC) is densely populated and besides a large number of civil houses, Military hospital, Alfa TCP, another Army unit, Army & private schools are also situated in this area.
On hearing the firing sound, people, including family members & relatives of the deceased, rushed to the incident site to know what had happened.
When the family members & relatives found both in a pool of blood outside the gate, they started protesting against the army and were later joined by the large number of people.
The highway was blocked and on getting information about the unfortunate incident, large number of people gathered there and joined the protest.
Even minor incidents of stone pelting were also noticed during 7 hours long protest. Jammu-Poonch highway remained closed during protest.
People also expressed their strong resentment over White Knight Corps Tweet that the civilians were killed in the firing by unidentified terrorists.
Family members, relatives, and the inhabitants of the area were demanding a transparent probe into the killing of two civilians by the Army sentry, Rs 50 lakh relief (each) in favour of the deceased, permanent job for deceased’s wives/or family member, Magisterial probe into the incident, arrangements for children’s education etc.
“We demanded every assurance, both by the civil/police administration, and army in writing and not verbally,” said Shambu Nath, brother of deceased Kamal Kumar.
Dr. Haseeb Mughal, DIG, Rajouri-Poloonch Police Range; along with Station Commander, Brig S. Malik; Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal; SSP, Mohammad Aslam, & other senior officers also reached the incident site and pacified the protesters/family members.
After detailed talks with family members, wives of the deceased, and community/political leaders, District Magistrate, Vikas Kundal assured to fulfill their demands and also gave in writing carriyng signatures of SSP and Tehsildar & the protesters, and official stamps.
After the commitment letter (in writing) was received, the protest was lifted at about 2 pm.
Police took possession of the bodies and shifted them to AH&GMC for post-mortem and other medico-legal formalities.
“Injured Anil Kumar was brought in critical condition with multi intestine & liver injuries. He was immediately operated upon and is now recovering” said Dr. Mehmood Bajar, Medical Superintendent, AH&GMC.”
Dr.Haseeb Mughal, DIG assured the victim’s families for fair & transparent probe into the incident. He also appreciated the role of senior police /paramilitary officers and civil administration in handling the situation professionally and in pacifying the protesters.
