The Indian Army has found ‘prima facie’ evidence indicating that troops violated the powers vested under AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act) in connection with an alleged encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian in July, in which three men were killed.
Initiating disciplinary proceedings under the Army Act against those found "prima facie answerable", the army said:
"Inquiry ordered by Army authorities into Op Amshipora, Shopian has concluded. Inquiry brought out prima facie evidence indicating that during operation, powers vested under AFSPA 1990 were exceeded and Do’s and Don’ts of COAS (Chief of the Army Staff) as approved by Supreme Court contravened."
"Evidence collected during inquiry has prima-facie indicated that the three unidentified terrorists killed in Operation Amshipora, Shopian were Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohd Ibrar, who hailed from Rajouri. Their DNA report is awaited. Their involvement with terrorism or related activities is under investigation by the police," the PRO Defence, Srinagar, further stated.
The ‘militants’, all cousins, are believed to be sons of three families from Rajouri. The families had accused the army of killing them in a staged gun battle.
‘Zero Tolerance for Violation of Guidelines’: Army Chief
Speaking to news agency ANI, Army chief General MM Naravane said, "The Amshipora case investigations will be conducted with utmost fairness and will be taken to their logical conclusion. The Indian Army is committed to the professional conduct of operations."
“The Indian Army has zero-tolerance for violation of established guidelines while operating in disturbed areas.”Army chief General MM Naravane to ANI
Taking to Twitter, National Conference leader and former J&K CM Omar Abdullah said the “process must remain transparent and the guilty must face the full weight of the law.”
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