Sources say only close relatives to be allowed to perform last rites
SNS KASHMIR
Srinagar, Nov 18 :
After massive outcry, the bodies of civilians killed in Hyderpora encounter on Monday evening are being handed over to their families tonight, sources said here on Thursday.
Sources told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the bodies of slain civilians were being exhumed in Handwara, where they were buried on Tuesday morning after police claimed that they were killed in cross fire during an encounter in Hyderpora.
They said that they were buried in Handwara in view of the law and order situation.
Sources said that bodies of Dr Mudasir Gul of Rawalpora and Altaf Ahmad Bhat of Barzula were being exhumed and will be handed over to their families tonight after a massive outcry from their families, political leaders and other organisations.
They said that bodies were being exhumed in Handwara in the presence of magistrate, officials of civil and police administration.
Notably, four persons including Mudasir and Altaf were killed in an encounter in Hyderpora on Monday evening, while police said that Altaf and Musadir were killed in cross firing and said that Mudasir was an OGW working for two militants who were also killed in the encounter.
However, the family members of both slain civilians contested the police claims and demanded the return of their bodies, while pleading for their innocence.
Meanwhile, after massive outcry, the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha earlier today ordered a magisterial inquiry into Hyderpora encounter and stated that government was committed to protect the lives of innocent civilians.
Sources also said that only close relatives of slain civilians will be allowed to perform the last rites. (KNS)