Indian army launches probe into deaths of 3 civilians in Kashmir

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - The Indian army is conducting a probe into the deaths of three civilians in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, a report said Monday.

The army has ordered a court of inquiry to “investigate the circumstances which led to the deaths of three civilians,” according to the Indian Express daily.

The development comes after locals in southern Poonch district alleged that three civilians aged between 27 and 42 were picked up on Friday by the army for questioning and were later killed in custody.

At least nine locals were picked up for questioning after militants ambushed Indian army vehicles on Thursday, killing four soldiers and wounding two others.

Regional police have also filed a case at the Surankote police station in Poonch against “unknown” persons following the civilian deaths.

On Saturday, authorities in the disputed region, which is claimed both by India and Pakistan, said they have initiated legal action and are investigating the deaths.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has offered compensation and jobs to the families of the victims.

Amid the allegations of custodial deaths, Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande arrived Monday in the region to review the situation.

His visit also comes amid a massive military operation to track down the suspected militants behind the recent army ambush.

Pakistan condemned what it called the "barbaric custodial killing" of the Kashmiri civilians.

"The slain civilians were tortured to death at a camp of the Indian occupation army," the foreign ministry of India's arch rival said Sunday.

*Riyaz ul Khaliq contributed to this story