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Deaf and Dumb Man Shot Dead By Indian Soldiers in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Jan 7: A deaf and dumb man was shot dead by Indian army personnel a few meters outside the official residence of Chief minister, Omar Abdullah in high security Sonawar area in the summer capital of restive Kashmir.

Police sources said that Abdul Rashid Reshi, 34 was shot dead by army personnel near the residential compound of Commander 31 Sub Area at Gupkar, some 100 meters away from Chief minister's residence on Tuesday evening. "He had scaled the wall of the army camp and was signalled to stop. He, however, ignored the signal and continued to move ahead. This prompted the army personnel to fire on him and he was killed on the spot," police sources said.

A top police official said that no arms and incriminating material were recovered from his possession. "He was impaired by speech and hearing," the police officer said, adding, "A case has been registered and inquiry launched".

Meanwhile, Indian army spokesman in Srinagar, Col DK Kachari while confirming the killing of civilians said, "Army guards at the residential compound of Commander 31 Sub Area fired on an intruder who scaled the rear boundary wall of the compound and entered its premises at about 2200 hours on Tuesday. The intruder despite being challenged repeatedly by the soldiers did not stop and continued to run towards the residence. The soldiers then fired on the individual resulting in his death," he said.

He said, "The body was handed over to the police who are investigating the matter".

The army spokesman said Army has ordered a high level inquiry into the incident.

"While the intention of the individual is not clear at this juncture, the possibility of his carrying out reconnaissance with the aim of launching a fidayeen attack at a later date cannot be ruled out and the same is also being examined by the inquiry instituted into the case," he added.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.