J&K govt orders probe into death of youth in protest rally

Jammu and Kashmir government today ordered a probe into the death of a youth who was killed allegedly in firing by the security forces during a protest demonstration in Pulwama district of South Kashmir.
An official spokesperson said the state government has ordered time-bound investigation and inquiry into the incident to ensure that those who are guilty of the offence are brought to book and punished.
He said the security forces have been asked to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with public protests, particularly to avoid causing physical harm to any civilian.
The spokesperson conveyed the heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the government to the family of the deceased youth, Bilal Ahmad Bhat and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Bhat, a resident of Padgampora village, was hit by a bullet when BSF personnel allegedly opened fire to chase away youths pelting stones in protest against the killing of two local Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants at a nearby village, a police officer said.
He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by doctors, he added.