Hundreds protest killing of civilian in Kashmir

Hundreds took to the streets in Kangan town, 40 km northeast of Srinagar, demanding punishment for an Indian soldier for firing at locals, who stopped him from molesting a girl.

Kangan (Jammu and Kashmir), July 6 : Hundreds took to the streets in Kangan town, 40 km northeast of Srinagar, demanding punishment for an Indian soldier for firing at locals, who stopped him from molesting a girl.

A civilian was killed and another wounded when the soldier fired at the angry villagers who found him cuddling with a Muslim girl.

Some villagers said the 21-year-old girl was molested by the soldier. The soldier later died of self-inflicted injuries.

The girl and some eye-witnesses are being interrogated by the police.

A district official said the firing was unfortunate. Charges of sexual harassment, though, have not been established as yet.

"Whatever happened is unfortunate. In any case, the firing was absolutely unwarranted. It was not required at all because people were peaceful. We have to appreciate the peaceful procession that was taken out by the residents of Kangan. I assure you that we will go by the law and try to establish the case under the law," said G.N. Bodha, Deputy Commissioner, Gandherbal District.

Residents insisted the soldier was trying to molest the girl, and that he be booked.

Protesters carried the body of the dead civilian covered with a bloodstained white shroud and blocked the highway leading to Baltal, one of the two base camps for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage.

Last week, scores of villagers paraded two soldiers naked through the streets after they were "caught trying to rape" a 17-year-old girl.

ANI