Slain Kashmiri boy's family still hopes for justice

The family of a teenager killed in police firing in 2010 urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to bring those responsible for the act to the book as that would send a positive signal to the people of the state.

"We feel that an opportunity lies (with) the government to (do) justice that would send a positive signal to the people of the state that the government means business," Mohammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of slain teenager Tufail, told reporters at his residence.

The 17-year-old student was allegedly killed in police firing on this day in 2010 while returning from his tuition.

His death had fanned the flames of protests across the Valley which left over 100 people dead and scores injured.

"Despite almost three years having passed, nobody has been put on trial for killing Tufail," Mattoo said, accusing police of shielding the his son's “killers".

"Police are trying their best to shield its men involved in this killing. It (has been) misleading the court for the last three years by cooking up stories (and) acting in a slack manner to buy time and allow the accused to go scot-free," he said, adding that he would continue with his fight for justice.

"Surprisingly, there has been no response from human rights organisations, especially global watchdogs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. I appeal to them to take stock of the prevailing situation in Kashmir," Mattoo said.

Image: Mohammed Ashraf Mattoo with his son Tufail's photograph | Photograph: Umar Ganie