Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the army court awarding life imprisonment to a Captain involved in a “staged encounter” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, is a welcome step towards creating accountability in such cases.
A General Court Martial (GCM) has recommended life imprisonment to a Captain in connection with the killing of three civilians in a “staged encounter” at Amshipura in Shopian district of Kashmir in July 2020, official sources said.They said the Army court verdict is subject to confirmation by the Army headquarters in Delhi.The Army has not said anything officially about the GCM recommendations so far.
“Recommended punishment of life imprisonment for Captain involved in Amshipora fake encounter is a welcome step towards creating accountability in such cases. Hope an impartial probe is also ordered in Lawapora & Hyderpora encounters to prevent repetition of such ghastly incidents,” Mufti tweeted.In a statement issued by the PDP, Mufti said the Army court recommendation sends a strong message that such acts of violence & abuse of power by those in uniform will not be toleratedThe former CM pointed out that it was important to note that this case highlights the need for better accountability and oversight mechanisms within the armed forces to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place.
“Going forward, it is crucial that the armed forces take concrete steps to ensure that their personnel adhere to the highest standards of professionalism & ethical conduct,” she said.The fact that the accused was able to commit such a heinous crime and pass off innocent civilians as militants raises serious concerns about the culture of impunity & lack of accountability that often pervades within the military,” she added.In July 2020, Army said three Pakistani militants were killed at Amshipora in Shopian district. Days later, locals alleged that the three slain men killed were cousins from Rajouri district who were working as labourers. The DNA samples of three killed confirmed that the slain trio were from Rajouri. The army later ordered a court of inquiry which found that the troops had exceeded powers vested under Armed Forces Special Power Act or AFSPA and acted in contravention to the rules approved by the Supreme Court.
