'Avoid human rights violations during security op'

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday sent a strong message to the security forces to avoid human rights violations at all costs while conducting security operations or dealing with any law and order situation in the state.

The CM's strong-worded message to the security forces came a day after a 24-year old youth was killed in an army firing in north Kashmir's Chogalvillage of Kupwara district.

The youth's family alleges that Manzoor Ahmad Magray was picked from his home by army troops. However, the army claims that the youth had walked into an ambush laid by security forces on specific information about of movement of militants in the area.

Abdullah presided over a high-level meeting in Srinagar, which was attended by Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, Corps Commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corp, J&K Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda and other senior officers.

He said, "The government policy of zero-tolerance to any human rights violation should be strictly adhered and any individual who is found responsible for such violation should be dealt under law, so that no civilian at any place or in any situation feels insecure during any such operations."

The corps commander assured at the meeting that the directions will be implemented in letter and spirit. "All the units have been instructed that extraordinary and special care should be taken to protect the civilians at every stage where any security situation is faced. It is the policy of the army to work for the protection of civilians and wherever any violation takes place appropriate action is taken," said Hasnain.

He said that all efforts were being taken to strengthen ties between the army and the public so that the confidence of the people is strengthened.