Shopian: Father of Major moves SC seeking quashing of FIR against son

The father of Major Aditya Kumar, named in an FIR by Jammu and Kashmir Police in civilian killings during a firing incident, on Thursday moved the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the case against his son because it will hurt the morale of soldiers fighting terrorism in the state.

Major Aditya Kumar and other soldiers of 10 Garhwal Rifles have been accused of opening fire and fatally injuring three civilians when a stone-pelting mob attacked an army convoy near Ganowpora village in south Kashmir Shopian district on January 27.

The FIR would hurt the morale of army personnel discharging their duties in the state, Lt. Col. Karamveer Singh said in his plea.

"The manner, in which the lodging of the FIR has been portrayed and projected by the political leadership and administrative higher-ups of the state, reflects the extremely hostile atmosphere.

In these circumstances, the petitioner is left with no other viable option but to approach this court under Article 32 of the Constitution of India for protection of valuable fundamental rights of his son and himself, enshrined under Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India," the plea said.

Two civilians were killed and one was injured after the army fired at stone-pelters on January 27. The injured civilian also died later.

The army has said its soldiers opened fire in self defence after an administrative convoy was attacked by in the village.