KL Report
SRINAGAR
In a recently filed writ petition by the families of the seven victims, in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Justice Hasnain Masoodi Wednesday issued notice against Rashid Billa, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army.
“Billa along with other accused personnel of the 13 RR has escaped culpability for last 19 years,” Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) spokesman, Khurram Parvez said in a statement.
“Notably, on October 5, 1996, seven people of Sadrakoot Bala, Bandipora were killed by personnel of 13 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian army, based at Asham camp accompanied by an infamous local government gunman, Rashid Billa (Abdul Rashid Parray).”
According to the police investigation, army has refused to cooperate so far, Khurram said, “as despite having incriminating evidence against Rashid Billa, neither has he been arrested nor has the police filed chargesheet or the final report in the court.”
“Pertinently Rashid Billa happens to be a close aide of National Conference MLA of Sonawari, Akbar Lone,” Khurram said. “It is not for the first time that killers like Billa have found refuge in Pro-India parties such as Umman Majid (Congress), Papa Kishtwari (NC), Farooq Khan (BJP), Ashiq Bukhari (PDP) etc.”
