FIRs against security forces for attacks on locals

SRINAGAR: Two FIRs have been filed against the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) for two recent incidents in Kashmir, police said on Monday.

The J&K police filed an FIR against the Army for tying a man to a jeep as a human shield, the video of which sparked outrage in the Valley after it was shared few days ago.

The police have also lodged an FIR against the BSF after a teenager, Sajad Hussain Sheikh, was killed on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, thousands students erupted in protest on Monday against security forces for their action on students of Pulwama Degree College on Saturday, in which more than 50 students were injured.

Sensing the escalation in the situation, the government decided to close the universities, colleges and higher secondary schools on Tuesday “as a precautionary measure”. The authorities also snapped 3G and 4G mobile internet services as many student protests were live streamed on social media. Broadband and 2G mobile internet services were continuing.

Students pelted stones at security forces, clashed with personnel and marched down arterial roads across Kashmir, chanting pro-Azadi and anti-police slogans. In many places, police retaliated with heavy tear gas shelling and clashed with students in the heart of Srinagar, affecting traffic and businesses. The college was closed for two days and further soured civilian-military relations with chief minister Mehbooba Mufti seeking a report.

“They (policemen) can’t go to their homes, can’t meet their families. This government can’t hold elections. Polls to Anantnag seat, which Mehbooba Mufti had left, can’t be held. What more evidence is needed about deteriorated law and order situation?” asked Omar.

Meanwhile, stepping up its offensive against India, the Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Rajouri district amid the rising tension between the two countries over the death sentence to former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. “Pakistan army initiated heavy fire on LoC in Naushera sector,” defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta said. He added it was unprovoked firing by Pakistan and the Indian Army was retaliating effectively.