Taxi driver killed in army firing in north Kashmir’s Kupwara

A taxi driver was allegedly killed by army soldiers in North Kashmir’s Kupwara area during a cordon operation.

While the family of the slain driver, Asif Iqbal, said he was shot “without warning” when he came out of the house to ferry some patients to a hospital on his registered taxi, army sources said he was challenged but did not stop, forcing them to fire.

He died on the way to hospital.

The incident took place on Saturday night when army soldiers had laid an ambush in Kralpora area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir following information regarding movement of militants.

Army, however, has given no official statement on the incident.

Police officials who did not want to be named confirmed the incident and said there was no report of any subversive activity against the slain driver.

DIG (north), V K Birdi told HT that the army’s 21 RR had cordoned the area.

“As per their version, unusual activity was observed in the area. Army officials said that some people came out of their homes and were trying to come towards the cordon. According to army, they were even fired upon from the other side,” he said.

“Iqbal, according to the army, was running towards the cordon. Even after being challenged, he did not stop. So they fired on him,” Birdi said.

Meanwhile, SSP Kupwara, Shamsheer Hussain was quoted by a local news agency GNS as saying that it was a case of mistaken identity.

Police has initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Reports say internet services have been blocked in the area.