CRPF refutes allegations of high-handedness in J&K

NEW DELHI: CRPF on Monday refuted allegations of high-handedness in tackling protestors in Jammu and Kashmir and said it was working along with the state police.

"The CRPF is working along with the Magistrate and the Jammu and Kashmir Police," CRPF Director General Vikram Srivastava said.

Asked about the allegations of high-handedness, Srivastava who is keeping a close vigil on the developments, said, "The local superintendent of police (Sopore) is there. Our men are there to assist him."

Two persons were killed in separate incidents in Kashmir valley on Monday when security forces allegedly opened fire at mobs protesting the death of a youth in firing in the apple town of Sopore on Sunday. Both local politicians and the state police have alleged it was the CRPF which had opened fire.

Earlier in the morning, when reports of CRPF opening fire had started coming in, Srivastava had said his force has not fired a single bullet or tear gas shell.

On June 25, two youths were killed and three others injured allegedly in firing by CRPF after the security personnel were attacked by protesters following an encounter in which two militants were gunned down.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had last night spoken with Union home minister P Chidambaram and voiced his concern over civilians becoming victims of action by paramilitary forces.