Civilian killed in CRPF firing

Firing Unprovoked: Eyewitnesses; They Fired In Self Defence: Police
Srinagar, Mar 13: Barely few hours after five of their colleagues were killed in a fidayeen attack in Bemina, Central Reserve Police Force Wednesday shot dead a civilian, father of three daughters, and injured another in Saidpora Srinagar, triggering massive protests in the area.

Eyewitnesses said that he was killed in unprovoked firing, however police said the man was killed after stones “and other missiles” were pelted on CRPF vehicles.
Altaf Hussain Wani (30) son of Abdul Ahad Wani resident of Saidpora-Zonimar was shot dead by the personnel of 73 Battalion CRPF. Five personnel of the same Battalion were killed in Bemina fidayeen attack.
Eyewitnesses said that CRPF personnel opened fire from their vehicle. “They opened fire on him after they slowed down their vehicles,” said an eyewitness adding that Altaf’s uncle was also injured in the firing.
“After leaving the injured in a pool of blood, CRPF personnel fled from the spot,” said one of the eyewitnesses. They added that a group of youth, who were playing cricket 200 yards from the spot, made a hue and cry. The two injured were shifted to SKIMS for treatment.
“He (Altaf) was straightaway rushed to theater. But we found him dead. He has received bullets in chest,” Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Ali Zagar told Greater Kashmir. A doctor who attended Altaf said that he has received two bullets in chest.
As the word about Altaf’s death spread, the residents of old Srinagar in thousands held strong protest demonstrations against the killing. Raising pro-freedom slogans, the people were demanding immediate arrest of the CRPF personnel involved in the killing.
Protests and clashes spread in most areas old city areas and police deployment in civil lines areas was strengthened. Protests and clashes were reported from Nowhatta, Rajouri Kadal, Saraf Kadal and some other areas.

POLICE VERSION:
A police spokesman said: “This afternoon some security personnel were ferried to SKIMS Soura for donation of blood to the victims of Bemina encounter. On their return, the vehicle they were traveling in came under the attack of stone pelting and other missiles at Saidpora- Zonimar Srinagar by miscreants.”
The spokesman further said: “This resulted in opening of fire, as a result Altaf Ahmad Wani son of Abdul Ahad Wani resident of Saidpora was seriously injured. He has been rushed to hospital. Further details to follow.”