Protests after Kashmir civilian killed in army firing

SRINAGAR - The killing of a civilian in an army ambush for guerrillas triggered protests in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district Saturday morning even as the army said the accidental death was “regrettable”.

Manzoor Ahmad Magray, 24, a resident of Chogal village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, some 70 km from here, was killed at around 10.30 p.m. Friday when he walked into an ambush laid by the army for separatist guerrillas, police said.

“The death of the civilian is regrettable, but we followed the rules of engagement,” an army officer said.

Police also maintained that the army had laid an ambush on specific information about the presence of guerrillas in the area.

“Unfortunately, the villager walked into the ambush, and noticing suspicious movement, the troops opened fire resulting in his death,” a police officer said.

The deceased worked for the Border Roads Organisation and his father is an activist of the ruling National Conference.

Locals in Chogal village began protests Saturday morning.