Army probing ‘human shield’ video

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 14

The Army today said it was investigating a video in which a youth was seen tied allegedly to an Army jeep as a human shield against stone-throwing.

The video, which went viral on the social media, shows a youth, Farooq Ahmad Dar of Chill-Brass village in Budgam, tied to an Army jeep and used as a human shield against stone-throwers. Army personnel are heard announcing that those indulging in stone-throwing will face similar fate.

Meanwhile, Farooq Dar, an artisan, said he was not involved in stone-throwing. “I was riding a bike and was on my way to a relative’s house when the Army stopped me. I was thrashed before they tied me to a jeep and ferried me through various villages for hours. I was released late in the evening,” he said.

The Army has initiated investigation to verify the contents of video.

The video clip has evoked criticism in the Valley with former CM Omar Abdullah seeking an “urgent probe”.

Defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said the video was being verified.

QUOTE

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! I understand the outrage the CRPF video generated. I’m also outraged that the video of the youth on the jeep won’t generate the same anger.  — Omar wrote on Twitter