Army indicts 9 soldiers for killing Kashmir youths

The Army has indicted nine soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer, for killing two teenagers after opening fire at a car they were in at central Kashmir’s Budgam district earlier this month.

The Army court of inquiry (CoI) found that the soldiers had violated the rules of engagement when they fired at a speeding Maruti 800 car in Chattergam, Chadoora, on November 3, killing Faisal Yusuf and Mehraj-ud-Din Dar and critically wounding two others.

Soon after the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had registered a case, while the Army had ordered a CoI into the killings. “Nine soldiers have been found involved in the killings as the court of inquiry has found gross violation of rules of engagement by the soldiers.

They have been indicted. There has been a total failure of the command by the officer in-charge of the Army column,” an unidentified Army officer was quoted by local media. He confirmed the court martial proceedings have been recommended against the erring soldiers. “The file has been sent for final approval to general officer commanding-in-chief, northern command. Hopefully we will get the approval by next week,” the officer said.

Sources told Deccan Herald that more than 70 witnesses, including some from the Army, recorded their statements before the inquiry officer. “The legal wing of the Army’s northern Command is studying the recommendations of the CoI before taking the final decision,” they added.

Soon after the incident, the Army promised to investigate the matter thoroughly. “Let me say this very clearly that we take responsibility for what has happened at Chattergam in Budgam district. Legal action will be taken if we find out that rules of engagement have been violated. We will complete the inquiry within 10 days,” GOC-in-Chief of Northern Command Lt General D S Hooda had told reporters here on November 7.

Sources said, on the pattern of Machil fake encounter inquiry, soldiers involved in the Chattergam incident are likely to face life imprisonment and lose all service benefits.