KL Report
SRINAGAR
Sajad Ahmad Kichloo who had resigned as former MoS Home is all set to be re-inducted into Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s council of ministers on Saturday. The significant development took place after an interim report submitted by Justice (Retd) Gandhi Commission probing August 9, Kishtwar communal riots that has exonerated Kichloo from his alleged involvement in the incident.
Reliable sources revealed to KNS that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Governor N N Vohra requesting him to administer the oath of office and secrecy to Kichloo in Jammu on Saturday.
Besides giving a clean chit to Kitchloo the Commission has recommended formation of Muslim Village Defense Committees (VDCs).
Reliable sources told KNS, that Qazir Sarwar, secretary to Justice Gandhi commission handed over interim report Justice (Retd) Gandhi has slammed different wings of police including CID and administration for non cooperation.
The report according to sources held former DC, DIG, SP and police personnel on field duty and magistrates of violence hit areas responsible for negligence of duty. The DIG has also been found guilty of administrative lapses, well placed sources revealed to KNS. The commission has also grilled senior police officer for not registering an FIR into the case pertains to attack on MoS Home Sajad Kitchloo, sources told KNS.
Justice (Retd) Gandhi has also in his report stated to treat Kitchloo as a victim and not an accused. He has also advocated for formation of Muslim VDCs so as to make a balancing act or otherwise according to it there will be a feel of insecurity among the Muslim community that can prove fatal for the law and order in future as well. In simple words he has recommended either disbanding of VDCs or formation of Muslim VDCs, sources added.
The Commission is expected to submit its final report in next two months. During the course of investigation, Justice (Retd) Gandhi cross examined over 300 persons including some key witnesses, a sneior National Conference leader told KNS.
Pertinently, KNS had already circulated the news on December 17 about Justice (Retd) Gandhi submitting his report this week.
The news agency had also disseminated that Sajad Ahmad Kitchloo who had resigned as Minister of State Home, following the riots will be re-inducted into the council of ministers if exonerated by the commission.
Kitchloo, had on August 12, tendered his resignation over the issue of Kishtwar violence saying: “Some political parties are trying to malign my name. I am innocent and have done no wrong.”
Kichloo’s resignation had come after a strong demand from the opposition and an uproar in the Parliament after communal clashes in the region in which three people were reportedly killed. The chief minister Omar Abdullah had later ordered a time-bound judicial probe into the violence.
“I want the truth should come out. Chief Minister has ordered a judicial probe [by a retired High Court judge]. My conscience does not allow me to continue as a Minister till the probe files its findings,” Mr. Kichloo said in a press conference. He had said he was resigning for he didn’t want his presence to cast shadow on an independent probe. “Mr Omar Abdullah is my leader and I have full faith in him and above all I have an endearing faith in Almighty. Truth shall prevail and justice will be done,” he had said.
