Magistrate ‘thrashed’ by army in Kashmir

A sub-divisional-magistrate (SDM) was allegedly manhandled by the Army after an argument between the two sides in Urjoo area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday.

Reports said SDM, Dooru, Ghulam Rasool Wani had an argument with an army officer after his vehicle was stopped by the forces while he was on his way to Qazigund. The SDM was allegedly thrashed by the soldiers and his vehicle was damaged following which the deputy commissioner Anantnag rushed to the spot.

Army spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia said the details about the incident were being ascertained and would issue a statement later.

Meanwhile, while expressing shock over the incident, former IAS officer and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement chairman Shah Faesal hoped that AFSPA doesn’t come in the way of taking action against the erring army officer.

“News of physical assault on SDM Duroo by Army is very shocking. If true, DC/SSP Anantnag should immediately register an FIR and arrest the erring personnel. It is hoped that AFSPA won’t come in the way of IPC/RPC and the action will be taken,” he said in a tweet.