Army enforces ‘shutdown’ in Pattan to mourn Captain’s death

Srinagar: Army on Wednesday thrashed civilians and enforced shutdown in Pattan market to mourn the death of a captain killed in an encounter in Sopore town of Baramulla district, locals alleged.

Reports and eyewitnesses said a party of Army’s 29 RR led by a major this morning appeared at main market Pattan, this morning and thrashed several people, including a few traders. The Army, eyewitnesses said was angry over the death of a captain in an encounter with militants in the neighboring Sopore town. The Army, eyewitnesses said also thrashed a trader identified as Bashir Ahmad of Burran.

Later, eyewitnesses said a complete shutdown was observed in Pattan against the alleged Army atrocities. The locals also staged demonstrations against the Army and demanded stern action against the major.

It was only after the police intervention that the traders agreed to resume the business activities.

“Army officer was very angry over the death of an officer in Sopore. He thrashed several pedestrians before taking on the traders. He wanted us to observe a strike against the killing of captain” an eyewitness pleading anonymity due to fear of reprisal by Army said.

However, police refuted the allegations leveled against the Army.

“Army was carrying out routine checking in the market. The traders objected leading to some misunderstanding. The matter was later sorted out,” Station House Officer (SHO), Pattan, Manzoor Ahmad told.