Massive protests against killing of Fisheries Deptt official during anti-militancy op; Govt orders probe

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 03-Dec-2016

Massive protests erupted at Vessu area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir against the killing of a Fisheries Department official during an anti-militancy operation yesterday at Chensar in the district.According to official sources, 37 year old Assadullah Kumar, resident of Mundhal Devsar in Kulgam, was killed when firing took place at Chensar during an operation launched by government forces against militants who were reportedly holed up in the village. It was not immediately clear whose bullet hit the official but locals blamed forces, a charge denied by the latter. On Saturday, as the body of the slain reached his ancestral village, thousands of people from several villages assembled at Mundhal and staged pro-freedom and anti-India protests. The protesters were also seeking an impartial probe into the killing and put the body of the slain on Vessu road. Later, amid sobs and tears, the slain employee was laid to rest in presence of thousands.Meanwhile, scores of Fisheries Department employees today staged a protest at Press Colony in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk against the killing of their fellow employee in firing during anti-militant operation. The employees were demanding an impartial probe into the incident and also sought protection to all the employees working in night hours across the Valley.Reports reaching here said that the Government has ordered a magisterial probe into the killing of Assadullah Kumar. Reports said that as the protest was underway at Vessu, the DC Kulgam, SP Kulgam along with other officials rushed to the spot in order to pacify the protesters. On the occasion, the DC announced that Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Shahnawaz Ahmad, will probe the incident and assured of compensation to the slain’s kin.(GNS)