Security forces allegedly thrash SDM in south Kashmir; Mehbooba, Faesal demand action

Srinagar: Security forces on Tuesday allegedly thrashed a Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and damaged a government vehicle after an altercation in south Kashmir district of Anantnag.
Meanwhile, former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and IAS-officer-turned-politician Shah Faesal have demanded action against the accused personnel.
Official sources said that SDM Duroo, Ghulam Rasool Wani, who was onway to Qazigund in his official vehicle, was stopped by security forces at Ujroo in Anantnag on Tuesday. “The SDM inquired why his vehicle was stopped, resulting in an argument between the officer and security force personnel,” they said.
They said later Mr Wani was allegedly thrashed by security forces and the office vehicle was damaged.
Defence ministry spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia was not available to confirm the incident.
“News of physical assault on SDM Duroo by Army is very shocking. If true, DC/SSP Anantnag should immediately register an FIR and arrest the erring personnel. It is hoped that AFSPA won’t come in the way of IPC/RPC and the action will be taken,” Mr Faesal, who is Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement chairman, wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.
Reacting to the incident Ms Mehbooba, who is the president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said, “Army thrashing civilians in the state is nothing new. But manhandling civil officers marks a new low.”
“The valley & its people are being choked to a silent death. For how long will you oppress them in their own land? Is this what we deserve for choosing India over Pakistan?” she twitted.