Who permitted cops to roam in civilian clothes, asks Dy CM
Jammu, Jul 27: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chowdhary Sunday questioned the circumstances in which Gujjar youth was killed in Nikki Tawi area in Jammu on July 24 and the mandate of District Special Branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP).
Seeking a transparent and time bound probe, he stated that the government headed by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would not tolerate such atrocious incidents.
He was responding to media queries after meeting the family of Gujjar youth, who was killed on July 24 evening allegedly in Police firing, in Nikki Tawi area in Phallain Mandal area of Satwari-Jammu.
He stated that the killing destroyed two families i.e., family of slain youth and that of his wife, who could not enjoy the marital bliss even for two months.
“This was very unfortunate. Just describing the youth killed as a martyr to console the family would not serve any purpose. What is warranted at the moment is a fair investigation to probe into the circumstances wherein the youth was killed,” Chowdhary said.
“However, presently, the Police is not under Omar Abdullah-government, it is under the Lieutenant Governor. I want to ask LG Sahib – J&K is not a land of encounters. We used to hear that militants were killed in encounters. Our valorous Police force has killed militants in encounters in the past. But which is this new Police force, the personnel of which roam around in civilian clothes,” Deputy Chief Minister asked.
He went on to ask, “Who has given power to this Police force to roam around in civvies and shoot youth to death? The elected government led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would not tolerate such chilling incidents. How could they roam around carrying weapons in civil dress? Who permitted them? What is this special branch? Is it a special branch of the Police or is it a Gunda-gang? SSP Jammu will have to answer as he is heading this branch (District Special Branch).”
The Deputy Chief Minister said all disturbing questions as to why and how that incident (killing) happened needed answers.
“What I have heard is that these youth (including slain youth) are running an Akhara (wrestling ring) and encouraging children to join wrestling. Their aim is to wean away youth, of theirs as well adjoining villages, from drugs. I reiterate this is broad daylight murder by the personnel of the uniform force (Special Branch), while in civvies,” Chowdhary said. He stated that mere suspension of Police personnel would not do.
“Whatever promises have been made by the Police and civil administration to the family, will have to be fulfilled. The family has been promised Rs 35 lakh, Police has promised a job to Next of Kin of the slain youth. Why have money promised and job orders not delivered to the family yet? Had Omar Abdullah-government promised that I would have brought the cheque and (job) order with me. So they (administration) will not be allowed to run away from their promises. These theatrics will not be allowed,” Deputy Chief Minister warned.
He said, “Jammu and Kashmir Police is known for eliminating terrorism and terrorists and never for killing innocent civilians. This has not happened and will not be allowed.”
