Kashmir erupts over death of civilian in Army firing

The killing of a civilian in an Army ambush of guerrillas triggered protests in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district this 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 Srinagar, was killed on 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 on Saturday morning.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah condemned the killing. Omar tweeted, "How can one not condemn the death of 21-year-old Manzoor at the hands of the Army late last night. Another needless death in a bloody Kashmir."