NHRC seeks report from Centre, J-K on Bandipura encounter

Observing that the allegations, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights, the Commission issued notices and asked Defence Secretary and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary to file reports on the matter within four weeks.

Hilal Ahmad Dar was killed allegedly in army firing on July 24 night in Bandipora in north Kashmir, triggering protests by locals who claimed that he was an innocent local and not a militant.

Defence Minister A K Antony had ordered an inquiry into the incident overruling the Army and directed that strong action be taken against anybody found guilty.

NHRC said Army officials allegedly did not inform as to whether or not the deceased was involved in the encounter.

"An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the place of incident. The local people have, however, protested and claimed that the deceased was working as a guard in a private company and was not involved in the encounter," the NHRC said.