Injured Budgam man dies at SKIMS Soura

Srinagar: A man who was wounded in a firing incident near an army camp in Chattergam area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district Thursday night died at SKIMS Soura on Saturday. The man according to locals was shot dead by soldiers, a charge refuted by police that quoted soldiers as having said that the man was killed by militants who fired on their camp. The slain has been identified as Ishfaq Ahmad, son of Nazir Ahmad Ganie of Magraypora Budgam.
While reports said that he was fired at by the soldiers, the army refuted by saying that Ganie was shot at by the militants 500-600 metres away from their camp at Chattergam. Meanwhile PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has blamed army for the killing of Inshfaq and Omar Abdullah the National Conference Vice President and another former Chief Minister has sought clarification from the government to clear the confusion of the people over the killing of Ishfaq.
Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba expressed shock over the killing of Ishfaq. Mehbooba Mufti blamed soldiers responsible for the killing while Omar Abdullah asked administration to present factual position.
“Deeply disturbed by the news of killing of a youth in Budgam this evening. Urge Guv Malik to strictly ensure that forces are made accountable for protectng civilians and avoidng collateral damage. My condolences to bereaved family,” tweeted Mehbooba Mufti. She also demanded an inquiry into the incident. She also sought compensation to the kin of the slain youth.
Similarly, Omar Abdullah tweeted: “Conflicting reports of the circumstances surrounding Ishfaq Ahmed’s shooting. It’s imperative that the administration establish the factual position to the satisfaction of the people, especially Ishfaq’s family. May Ishfaq find his place in Jannat.”