Handwara Encounter: SHRC Seeks Detailed Report

Srinagar: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Monday directed state authorities to file a detailed report into the Handwara gunfight in which at least seven residential houses had been razed to the ground.

Hearing a petition filed by rights activist Ahsan Untoo, the Commission asked deputy commissioner Kupwara and senior superintendent of police Kupwara to file their report in the incident.

In his petition, the petitioner stated: “…the encounter broke between militants and the security forces at Babagund Handwara which continued for around 72 hours. In the said encounter around seven residential houses were fully damaged and three houses were partially damaged.”

Two militants and five security personnel were killed in the gunfight while a civilian also lost his life in clashes.

“…the commission being guardian of human rights (should) take note of civilian killing,” the petitioner pleaded.

He alleged that no officials “came forward to ascertain the facts” or to provide any sort of relief to the affected families, whose residential houses were damaged in the gunfight.

The petitioner pleaded before the commission to conduct investigation into the civilian killing and ascertain the damage caused to residential houses.

He urged the commission to provide compensation to next of the kin of the slain civilian and to the residents, whose houses were damaged in the gun battle.