Custodial killing in Shopian

‘Custodial killing’ triggers protest

Greater Kashmir Nov 30, 2008

Curfew Imposed In Shopian

MALIK SALAM

Shopain, Nov 29: Authorities imposed curfew in this south Kashmir town and its adjoining areas on Saturday following the alleged custodial killing of a youth.
Locals told Greater Kashmir that troopers of 62-Rashtriya Rifles and local police arrested Ghulam Hassan Malla from Manyal Shopain on Thursday and since then his whereabouts were not known. “We heard this morning that he has been killed in custody. We approached the 62-RR camp to ascertain about his welfare. But troopers chased us away,” they said.
The villagers alleged that Malla was killed during interrogation.
As the word about Malla’s killing spread, hundreds of people took to streets raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. When they tried to move towards Shopian town, police dispersed them by firing scores of teargas shells. Many people were injured in the police action.
Fearing violent clashes, the authorities later imposed curfew in the area.
A top police official told Greater Kashmir that while Malla’s body was handed over to his family, police have registered a case against Army. “We have started investigation,” the official, wishing anonymity, said.