Two Kashmiri youths succumbed to bullet injuries on Tuesday after a local mob launched attack on an army installation over the alleged molestation of a girl by one of its military personnel.
The incident occurred in Handwara, 85 kilometers away from J&K’s summer capital Srinagar. Allegedly, the mob pelted stones and attacked the army bunkers and in ‘retaliation’ the security personnel of the installation opened fire to disperse the protesters.
As per reports, public gathered before the army station in Handwara chowk immediately following the alleged incident of molestation was reported. According to a ‘police spokesman’ quoted by the Times of India (TOI), the mob attacked the personnel who were deployed there, ransacked the bunker and attempted to set it on fire.
“In retaliation, the security forces deployed (there) used force to disperse the violent rampaging mob. In the process, two individuals—Mohammad Iqbal and Nayeem Qadir Bhat sustained fire-arm injuries,” he said.
J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the incident would not be tolerated as it will have ‘negative impact’ on the state government’s effort to consolidate peace process in the valley.
Meanwhile, the army also has ordered inquiry into the issue. It is reported that the incident in Handwara has triggered more protests in southern Pulwama and Srinagar.
