Int’l Human Rights Groups Demand Probe Into Kashmir Killing

New Delhi, July 21, IRNA - International human rights groups have expressed concern over the killing of four protesters in Jammu and Kashmir by BSF personnel and demanded an immediate probe into the matter by an independent commission. Human Rights Watch issued a statement urging the Indian government to appoint an independent commission to ˈpromptly and transparentlyˈ investigate the killing of four protesters by BSF troops in Kashmir state on July 18. ˈThe loss of life at Ramban needs a prompt investigation by an independent commission,ˈ said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, pti reported. ˈAny finding of illegal use of force by BSF troops should result in prosecutions. Too often, BSF’s version of events is simply accepted, allowing killing after killing for which no one is held to account,ˈ she added. Amnesty International said authorities in Jammu and Kashmir must avoid excessive use of force while policing demonstrations. ˈDozens of people have been injured in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir in widespread clashes between security forces and protestors,ˈ the organization said. It also said firearms should only be used as a last resort by the authorities and the intentional lethal use of firearms must only be employed when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life./end