Army jeep uses man as shield, creates uproar in Srinagar

Srinagar : A video has created flutter in Jammu and Kashmir after the Army allegedly used a youth as shield to get protection from stone pelting.

The youth, seen tied to a moving jeep with an audio warning to stone-pelters in the background, has been identified as Farooq Dar, while the Army unit involved in the act was 53 Rashtriya Rifles, preliminary investigations have revealed.

Officials investigating the matter on the instructions of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said Dar is a resident of Chhil Brass in Budgam.

Dar told investigators that he was out to cast his vote and later visit his sister’s house after a relative’s death when he was picked up and paraded through 10 to 12 villages.

Former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah expressed shock over the incident. He wrote on Twitter, “This young man was TIED to the front of an Army jeep to make sure no stones were thrown at the jeep? This is just so shocking!!!!!#Kashmir.”

In another tweet, he said, “Here’s the video as well. A warning can be heard saying stone pelters will meet this fate. This requires an urgent inquiry & follow up NOW!!”