Sajjad Lone welcomes verdict in Machil fake encounter case

Former separatist leader Sajjad Lone on Thursday welcomed the punishment handed to security personnel found guilty in the Machil encounter case.

"When I had met Prime Minister Modi, I had said that a new beginning will take place. I am confident now that no finger will be pointed at innocent Kashmiris to talk about their murder will become a distant thing. It is a welcome step that those who were involved in killing mercilessly have been punished," said Lone to the media here.

Lone has filed his nomination papers to contest from the Handwara region in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to reports, the Army convicted two officers and five jawans for their involvement in the 2010 Machil fake encounter case, in which three youths were killed after being lured with jobs in Jammu and Kashmir.

Later, the Army clarified its previous statement, stating that only five have been found guilty and after their Court Martial, had been recommended for life imprisonment. The statement further stated that the process is still not complete as the confirmation of the sentence is take place by the appropriate authorities.