Army rules out inquiry into killing of youth in firing

"For us there us nothing to prove ... It is clear. Army is a disciplined force and carries out operations with honesty and integrity," General officer Commanding of the Army's 15 Corps Lt General Om Prakash told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He said army operations were intelligence based to avoid collateral damage and there were inputs about movement of militants for the past three days through the area after which an operation was launched.

"During this operation, movement was observed late in the night. When they were challenged, they opened firing first which was retaliated. One person was killed and weapons were also recovered from the spot," Lt Gen Prakash said.

The army commander said there were clear rules of engagement in militancy-hit areas, which were not followed by the deceased.

"They are supposed not to move unnecessarily late in the night and in case of need, carry a lantern, inform nearest police or army camp. These rules were not followed," he added.

Hilal Ahmad Dar, a resident of Aloosa in Bandipora district, was killed in army firing late on Tuesday night, triggering protests in the area.

The local residents have alleged that Dar was killed in custody.

Earlier, Lt Gen Prakash laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial at Badami Bagh Cantonment as the officers and jawans of 15 Corps paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives during Kargil War.