Youth killed in J&K firing

Jammu/Srinagar (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday broke down in the assembly over the killing of a youth allegedly by security forces during protests in Baramulla town in north Kashmir, saying the action on the mob was unjustified. An emotional Omar told the Assembly that a probe would be held into the killing and strict punishment given to those found guilty. A 25-year-old man was killed and four were injured in firing allegedly by security forces during protests in Baramulla town on Tuesday. Hundreds of residents of Baramulla town took to streets to protest what they alleged ransacking of their houses by the army in the area.A The protesters pelted stones at the army personnel who allegedly opened fire to disperse them, they said. Five persons were injured in the incident. One of them later succumbed to injuries. He was identified as 25-year-old Tahir Latief Sofi. Omar said he will seek answers for the killing. "I want answers for those questions which were raised here (by PDP over the killing and silence of New Delhi). I do not have answers immediately but I will seek answers," Omar said while winding up discussion on the joint address of the Governor to the state Legislature. Omar turned silent for a short while during the course of his address. "I will seek the answers and whosoever's door I have to knock, I will knock. But I will have answers". The action on the protesters was unjustified, he said. The Chief Minister said he wants to assure the youths' family that a thorough probe will be conducted. "Whatever action is needed from our side, I will take that to ensure justice," he said. "If there was misuse of force---I assure you (members of the House) that I will definitely give them justice-- otherwise there is no fun of this chair". Strongly disapproving the action by security forces, Omar said, "The firing is at the protesting rally-- in that rally, as per my reports, there were no militants, there was no firing from the mob". "Even if they had pelted stones-- what is the big thing in it--this is not for the first time--have we not faced stones in the past," he contended. "What answer will I give to the people-- have we for this reasons held the flag of India in our hands-- for what I have to apologies the people every time and every time I have to answer for every bullet (used by the forces)", he said. The PDP led by leader of the Opposition Mehbooba Mufti raised the issue of killing of the youth. PDP's Basharat Bukhari, who is MLA from North Kashmir, raised slogans blaming Omar, New Delhi and Army for the killing. Omar has denied reports of his resigning over the killing of the youth, saying if his stepping down can bring a person back to life he will do so in a flash. Omar on micro-blogging site twitter said, "Note to others spreading rumours about my impending resignation - I haven't resigned. If my resignation could bring a person back to life I'd resign in a flash. My responsibility to the state and people is to ensure incidents like on Tuesday's see justice done."