Srinagar: Agitated people thrashed three army soldiers and set their vehicle on fire after checking their identity cards at Akhal Kangan area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses said three Territorial Army personnel traveling in a private Sentro Car (JK01R-6187) were moving in a suspicious manner when a group of people stopped them and demand Identity cards from the persons on board.
They said as the Identity cards revealed that they work for Army, the agitated people mistook them as brad choppers and started thrashing them. The witnesses said that they were beaten to pulp before Army party from nearby 24 RR camp arrived on spot and fired some rounds in air to rescue them.
The army action infuriated the agitated protesters who set the Sentro Car on fire. Police rushed to spot, however, people pelted stones on them, prompting them to lob tear-smoke shells.
As the news spread in Kangan town, shopkeepers downed their shutters while youth took to roads and pelted stones on government forces.
A police official wishing anonymity said that three Territorial Army personnel led by one Fareed Tenda of Wangat Kangat were on way to a house to attend a marriage ceremony when people checked their identity cards and thrashed them. He confirmed that mob set their vehicle on fire.
Meanwhile, locals at Baghna Noorkhaw area of Boniyar Uri of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district alleged that Army stationed at Lachipora camp rescued a ‘braid-chopper’ when they caught him.
“Four armed men in uniform appeared in Baghna Noorkhaw area of Boniyar Uri and were moving in suspicious condition. When locals stopped them the army men claimed they are militants. However, people doubted their version and caught them. The three men fired in air and managed to escape while fourth one was caught and thrashed mercilessly. The Army party arrived on spot and rescued the man from people,” said a group of locals.
When contacted a police official said that they are investigating the matter.
