Family members and relatives of Athar Mushtaq, the youth who was killed in an 'encounter' at Umarabad-Hokersar last week protesting at Press Enclave on Residency road in Srinagar demanding the body of their loved one and a judicial probe in the alleged fake encounter on Monday. UNI
Families of youth killed in an alleged fake encounter in Srinagar's Lawaypora, on Monday, held a demonstration at the press colony, demanding an impartial investigation. The families, along with several other people of the valley have demanded the return of the bodies.
Gowhar Geelani, an author, and a journalist, in a tweet, said that it was a 'collective demand' of the people of the valley. "Imagine that people are not saying 'do not kill us', they are demanding 'please return the bodies." Gowhar's tweet read.
"The bodies belong to the families, as explicitly specified in human rights laws." Angad Singh, a social activist from Kashmir, said in a video. "Why are you afraid of handing over dead bodies?" Angad Singh added.
Earlier, in a video, the father of one of the youths killed in the 'encounter', said that he will commit suicide if the body of his 17-year-old son is not returned. He also said that the troops kill innocent children for their 'stars'.
Former chief ministers of the erstwhile state have also demanded a probe in the 'encounter'
Omer Abdullah, in a tweet, said that a fair and transparent probe would satisfy the families who lost their loved ones and who they insist were innocent.
Mehbooba Mufti said that a mother should not be deprived of the last chance to see her son and she does not deserve to 'beg' for his body.
Meanwhile, J&K police have released two videos, on Twitter, in which forces' personnel can be repeatedly heard making offers of surrender to the 'militants'.
Youth killed in the 'encounter' were identified as Ajaz Maqbool Ganai, 24, from Pulwama, Ather Mushtaq Wani, 17, from Pulwama and Zubair Ahmad Lone, 22 from Shopain.