Army releases video of girl denying molestation charge

Two youths and a woman were killed after the Army allegedly opened fire to disperse demonstraters, who were protesting against the alleged molestation of a girl at Handwara yesterday.

A defence ministry spokesperson released video of a girl, who has denied the allegations against the Army.

In the video the girl is seen speaking to local mediapersons at Handwara. He said the Army has verified the authenticity of the video and identity of the girl. The video is being released after obscuring the face to protect the identity of the girl, keeping in view the sensitivity involved.

The girl in the video says that she had gone to nearby washroom along with her friend when suddenly a youth appeared before her and took her bag away. 

As per her statement in the video, the boy prevented her to come to a nearby police station. Meanwhile, the other youth shouted slogans and instigated violence.

The Army has expressed regret over the killings and ordered an inquiry into the incident. Besides, it has assured that action will be taken against anyone found guilty under the law of the land.

Police has also registered a criminal case and started investigation. Expressing tremendous grief over the killings at Handwara, state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said those involved in the incident would be handed exemplary punishment.  She said she had already taken up the matter with the Army.         

The Chief Minister talked to the GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda, who informed her that the Army had already ordered an inquiry into the incident and tangible action will be taken, once the probe gets completed.

Regarding the demand of the locals for shifting of the bunker from the area, the Army Commander assured the Chief Minister that the demand would be looked into.

The Chief Minister said such tragic incidents have a huge negative impact on the efforts of the State Government and the political leadership aimed at consolidating the peace efforts in the State.

Ms Mehbooba said the security forces must exercise maximum restraint and adhere to the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) while dealing with the public protests, as incidents of innocent killings cannot be tolerated. 

The Chief Minister has expressed solidarity with the families of the two youth. Kashmir valley earlier observed a general strike in protest against these killing on call by separatist organsations.