Srinagar, December 05, 2011: Hundreds of people in Handwara protested against the Indian troops for beating the civilians at Satkozi village. The residents of Handwara said that the troops entered the houses and started beating the inmates indiscriminately without any reason.
They demanded revocation of the draconian law, Armed Forces Special Powers Act and other such laws granting immunity to troops.
“The soldiers of 6 Rashtriya Rifles barged into the civilian locality at Satkuji Handwara and dragged out youth from their homes and thrashed them without any provocation last night. However, locals resisted the beating which led to a scuffle between the civilians and the forces,” Rashid Engineer said.
On Tuesday, Eng Rasheed said he along with hundreds of people from the area protested in Handwara town against the incident.
The residents of the Satkozi village said that the troops entered the houses and started beating the inmates indiscriminately. They said army accused them of providing shelter and food to the militants.
The residents said that patrolling party of 21 Rashtriya Rifles beat scores of people and threatened to kill them for providing food and logistical support to militants”
“Without any provocation the army men entered into the houses and started thrashing us indiscriminately. They shouted at us that we are supporting militancy and hide them in our houses,” the residents said.
Early Tuesday morning hundreds of people assembled and staged the protests against the alleged highhandedness of troops.
They demanded revocation of black law APSPA and other such laws granting immunity to troops. Engineer Rashid addressed the locals and demanded revocation of AFSPA.
“AFSPA should be revoked from all districts as people in these areas have suffered the lot. This law will allow people of districts to heave a sigh of relief,” said Rashid. News agencies