Army on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the allegations by locals that a youth went missing while another was beaten after the duo was taken into custody by its men in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday night.    

“We have initiated an inquiry. The matter is under investigation and action will be taken accordingly,” a defence ministry spokesman when asked whether army has taken any action against its men who locals allege were involved in disappearance of a youth, Manzoor Ahmad Khan and beating of another, Nasrullah Khan, who has been admitted in SKIMS here for specialized treatment. 

Manzoor Ahmad Khan, who is also a close relative of a minister in ruling alliance Abdul Haq Khan, continues to be missing. Abdul Haq Khan, minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, on Saturday visited Devar Lolab area of the frontier district where people staged a protest against Manzoor’s disappearance. He assured them that in next two the missing youth would be tracked down.

He asked people to maintain calm and also urged them not to take the law into their hands. 

The minister also assured people that strict action would be taken against the concerned army Major. Police have already registered separate FIRs following minister’s intervention following protests by locals in his constituency. Among others who accompanied the minister include Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Khalid Jehangir. 

Manzoor and Nasrullah were allegedly detained by the army for questioning few days ago and were allegedly beaten to pulp. Later, as per locals, Nasrullah was released but whereabouts of Manzoor remain unknown. 

Both the youths, shepherds by profession, were detained by 27 RR of the army, locals said. As locals sought whereabouts of the missing youth, Army denied to have kept him and said he was released along with another youth. 

Guest