Villagers in Darazpora, Turkawangam area of Shopian protested fiercely alleging security forces shot dead a civilian, while police maintained he was killed in the crossfiring between forces and militants.
Locals, including women, raised slogans, demanding the body of 20-year-old Shoaib Ahmed Ganie be handed over to the family.
An old villager said, “He is a shopkeeper and was some distance from the shop when he was shot at. He had raised his hands, but the three men in uniform fired at him. We must be told whether our young boys should come out or not.”
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Shoaib Ahmad Ganie had set up an automobile accessories store a few months ago in his native Turkwangam village, some 11 kms from Shopian town, to earn his livelihood.
But on Sunday afternoon a bullet pierced his chest after grazing his upper arm.
Ganie had crossed a nearby road to perform ablution for noon prayers when he was hit.
He was immediately rushed to hospital but he died of his injuries.
Police Allege Death Due To Cross Fire.
J&K Police, tweeted: “Terrorists fired upon the joint patrol party of CRPF-182Bn/SOG of Pulwama near the bridge connecting Litter Pulwama with Turkwangam, Shopian. During exchange of fire between militants and the joint team, one civilian namely Shoaib Ah Ganie, son of Ghulam Mohammed Ganie, a resident of Turkwangam, Shopian got injured. He was referred to District Hospital, Pulwama for treatment where he succumbed to injuries.”
The police said the terrorists managed to slip into nearby orchards.
District Magistrate Shopian, Sachin Kumar Vaishya ordered a magisterial enquiry into the incident. “His murderers should be brought to justice”, said a family member of Ganie.
No Cross-Firing Say Villagers
Villagers, however, rebutted the claim, saying there was no cross-firing and Shoaib was shot at.
His brother Shahid Ahmad alleged that he was killed by security forces in cold blood. “Even he raised his hands when he saw the CRPF men but despite that he was shot”, Ahmad said.
Police or security agencies are yet to give a detailed account of the incident. The story will be updated once it is in.