Army orders high-level probe into Kashmir fake gunfight

SRINAGAR - A day after Jammu and Kashmir Police submitted their enquiry report, the Indian Army Sunday ordered a high-level probe into the killing of three civilians in an alleged fake gun battle April 30.

“Based on the preliminary report of the Machil encounter received from Jammu and Kashmir Police late evening on May 29, a high-level enquiry has been ordered by the army,” a defence spokesman said.

“The enquiry will investigate all allegations, based on the report submitted by the police,” the official said.

“We will judiciously expedite the proceedings as promised,” he added.

“The only delay we foresee is the recalling of the witnesses who are involved in the incident, as the unit has been de-inducted after completion of its mandated tenure,” the spokesman added.

He, however, said that “efforts to get them back have already been initiated”.

Meanwhile, protests against the killing of the three youths continued for the second day in parts of the Kashmir Valley, including capital Srinagar.

Police used tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse stone pelters in Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag towns.