Protests in Mendhar after youth ‘killed’ in custody

Srinagar: The death of youth in alleged Army custody sparked off massive protests in Mendhar area of Poonch district on Saturday. Meanwhile, police has registered a murder case against Army and started investigations.

Quoting locals, Jammu correspondent said that 22-year-old Majeed Hussain, son of Wazir Hussain Gujjar was summoned to the nearby Army camp of 11 Kumaun early this morning. At the camp, Majeed, a fuel dealer was allegedly tortured resulting in his death. His body was later found near a Border Security Force (BSF) camp.

When the news of Majeed’s alleged custodial death spread in the town, hundreds of men, women and children took to streets and staged demonstrations. Chanting anti-Army slogans, the protesters were demanding action against the guilty Army men.

The town observed a spontaneous shutdown to protest the alleged custodial killing.

Later, senior police officials reached the spot and assured the protesters of strict action against the troopers, if found guilty. The police also filed a case Fir No 221/2010 under section 302 /34 RPC against Army.

“The deceased was dealing with fuel. He had gone to Army camp to collect diesel where he apparently met with an accident. We’re trying to find the reason behind the youth’s death. The allegations will also be probed” Senior Superintendent Police (SSP), Manmohan Singh told.

“We have registered a case and started further investigation in this regard,” he added.