Masoodi demands impartial probe into Hokarsar Killings

Srinagar: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament from Anantnag Justice (retd) Hassnain Masoodi on Thursday sought an impartial investigation into the Hokarsar killings and impressed on the government to clear the ambiguities leading to the killing of three youth.
Masoodi while demanding an impartial probe into the killings said the stated version of the police was far from convincing and ambiguous. “The police version is not convincing and clear-cut; it is an admitted case of police that none of the three youth in their early twenties were in the militant list; two of the youth are admitted not to have been involved in militant activities and said to be OGWs. In the case of a third boy who is twenty years old, it is said that he ‘might have joined militant ranks’. The statement joined together is far from convincing and lends support to the version of families of the slain trio that they were innocent and not involved in any militant activity,” he said.
According to a statement issued here on Thursday he asked the government to recall the Shopian killing and subsequent findings that those killed were innocent and had come all the way from Rajouri to earn livelihoods and continue their studies.
He demanded thorough investigation into the issue and return of bodies of slain youth to their families so that their last rites are observed by their families at their respective places.
Masoodi said the matter warrants time bound inquiry as the versions of the family and the police are contradictory. “The version of the family in wake of the ambiguous version of police seems to be nearer to truth. Therefore it becomes imperative upon the government to come clean on the matter. In previous Shopian killings, the boys were found innocent. I express my deep sympathies and unison with the bereaved families and pray forbearance to them in their hour of grief,” he said.
Masoodi also spoke to Principal Secretary Home Shaleen Kabra home and demanded a probe into the matter. He will take up the matter with LG J&K Manoj Sinha and Advisor Home to LG RR Batnagar