In major disturbing news from the valley, a 25-years-old youth named 'Peer Mehrajuddin' was shot dead by the CRPF on Wednesday. As per reports, the youth was shot by a CRPF jawan for allegedly jumping checkposts on the outskirts of Srinagar. As a consequence, locals have started protesting against the security forces.
Another row related to it has been erupted, as the official statements of the CRPF and the local police are different. CRPF statement hints at a possible sabotage attempt targeting the army while the local cops saying the shots were fired as the youth had not stopped his car at two checkposts despite warnings.
Locals claim that the CRPF opened fire on Mehrajuddin although he had stopped and told them that he had an emergency.
A Kashmir politician pointed out that nothing could justify the firing targeted at the youth as the forces could have aimed at the tyres of his car if they had to stop him.
Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces after the death of Mehrajuddin, a resident of Makhama village, in the firing at the Kawoosa crossing on the outskirts of Srinagar. The authorities snapped Internet services in Budgam district, where Makhama is located, to prevent further flare-up.
There have been allegations that the security forces are using brute tactics to enforce the lockdown in Kashmir.
A statement issued by the CRPF said Mehrajuddin, several of whose close relatives are said to be in the police force, was driving a Maruti Suzuki WagonR and had jumped two checkpoints on Gulmarg-Narbal road when an army convoy was nearby.
“A convoy of the army, at that point in time, was passing through the adjacent road. Fearing sabotage, the CRPF jawan of C/141, manning this naka, fired warning shots. This civil car was driving in the wrong direction of the road and that was even more alarming,” a CRPF spokesman said.
“When the car didn’t stop despite warning shots, the jawan fired at the car and the driver was hit on his left shoulder. Subsequently, he was shifted to SHMS Hospital, Srinagar, where, he was declared brought dead by doctors,” the spokesperson added.
The police, however, did not mention or hint at sabotage, saying in a statement that Mehrajuddin had jumped two “naka points”. The statement also did not mention that an army convoy had been passing by.
“The naka party opened fire at the vehicle to thwart the attempt (of jumping the checkpost)…. The police have registered a case and started an investigation into the matter,” the statement said.
Protests broke out at several places, with angry youths clashing with security forces at Auduna and Kawoosa villages of Budgam.
Villagers alleged that cops have been raiding their houses for the past several days, damaging interiors and cars.
Anger For CRPF on Twitter: