Army orders probe in civilian killing, claims Asif died in cross fire

Srinagar-based defence spokesperson said the driver was killed in cross-fire.

He said that the Army laid an ambush in the village late last night after information about the presence of militants in Thindpura village.

"At around 2255 hours, the ambush party observed suspicious movement of three persons near a nallah (drain) in Thindpura village. The individuals were challenged by troops, however, they did not respond," said the spokeserson.

Thereafter, he said, militants opened fire towards the army ambush party, which was retaliated to.

"In the crossfire,  one person, later identified as Asif Iqbal Bhat, s/o Mohd Iqbal Bhat, resident of Thindpura was killed due to Gunshot wound. It is learnt that he was a sumo taxi driver," he said.

The spokesperson said that investigations are in progress.

Jammu and Kashmir police has lodged an FIR against the Army and started investigations.

"Kupwara police has lodged an FIR in Police Station Kralpora and investigation has been started. Police and civil administration will provide all help to the bereaved family," police spokesperson said.

Asif Iqbal Bhat, son of Muhammad Iqbal, was seriously injured after being hit by a bullet in Thandipora in Kralpora area of the district on Saturday night.

"He was shifted to Sub District Hospital Kralpora for treatment where from he was referred to Srinagar Hospital for further treatment where he succumbed to his injuries," said a police spokesperson.

Earlier, SSP Kupwara Shamsher Hussain, said that the killing of the driver was a case of “mistaken identity”.

The killing has triggered massive clashes in the area with people demanding that a murder case be registered against the Army.

Meanwhile, Independent Legislator Sheikh Rasheed was detained at Kralpora police station after he led a march against the killing of the driver.

Reacting to the killing, Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that the "poor taxi driver was killed by the Army  while taking an ailing patient to a hospital."

"Asif Iqbal a poor taxi driver from Kupwara killed in Cold Blood by Army while taking an Ailing patient to hospital & then labelled as a case of “mistaken identity” by the killers! How long will R (our) blood be spilled mercilessly with impunity? we r (are) not even allowed toProtest such barbarism!" he tweeted.

Former Chief Minister of state Omar Abdullah lashed out at the government over the killing of poor sumo driver.

"My appeal to government to conduct transparent probe and bring culprits to justice," Omar said in a statement.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)