SDM 'manhandled' by soldiers in J-K; Mehbooba, Shah Faesal demand action

A sub-divisional magistrate was allegedly manhandled by some soldiers in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, following which PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal demanded action against the erring army personnel.

SDM Dooru Ghulam Rasool Wani was on his way to Qazigund when his official vehicle was stopped by army soldiers, officials said.

They said Wani entered into an argument with the soldiers, insisting that his vehicle be allowed to pass as he was on duty. However, the soldiers allegedly assaulted the officer.

A defence spokesman here said details of the incident are being ascertained.

Meanwhile, Faesal took to Twitter demanding action against the "erring" soldiers.

"News of physical assault on SDM Duroo by army is very shocking. If tru, DC/SSP Anantnag should immediately register an FIR and arrest the erring personnel," Faesal said.

He hoped that "AFSPA won't come in the way of IPC/RPC and the action will be taken".

Mufti lashed out at the authorities for creating a "sense of siege" which saw a Sub Divisional Magistrate being roughed up by army personnel in south Kashmir. She demanded action against those involved in the incident.

"There are reports that a Sub Divisonal Magistrate along with his some of his staff members have been roughed up by some security personnel and even their mobile phones have been damaged. Such an unruly behaviour has become a norm. I condemn this high handedness and seek exemplary punishment against those found guilty," she said.