Protests continue in Kashmir against 'killings'

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, JAN. 4. The protest against the alleged `custodial killing' of two former militants continued today for the second day in the Valley with thousands of people demanding a high-level probe into the incident.

Over 6,000 people converged today on Magam township on the Srinagar-Gulmarg road to protest the killing of Ghulam Rasool and Habibullah, who were allegedly `picked up' by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday night.

Later, their mutilated bodies were recovered from Narbal.

Police denied their involvement and said the former militants were shot by the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Today the protestors gathered in Magam Chowk and raised slogans against the SOG and the Chief Minister.

Tension ran high in the area and police were deployed in strength.

In Anantnag district, another allegation of `custodial killings' was reported today.

Reports said the security forces arrested two militants of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, Mohammad Ramzan Mattoo and Ali Shah.

Residents alleged that the two were ``killed in custody and their bodies thrown away''.

However, a police spokesman said that the duo was being taken to a hideout in Magam Kokernag area for recoveries and that militants fired on the security forces killing the two.

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