Srinagar: No eyewitnesses have come forward
to record their statements before a judicial commission set up
by Jammu and Kashmir government to probe 17 civilian deaths in
the valley between June 11 and July 19 this year as the
deadline for filing of affidavits ended on Friday.
"So far we have not received any affidavits at any of the
three offices set up for the purpose," a source in the
Commission of Inquiry told PTI here.
They said many persons had approached the Commission
after the public notice was issued on August 31.
"They promised to come back after Eidul Fitr with the
affidavits but since the law and order situation deteriorated,
they were not able to report to the commission," he said.
The Commission is likely to meet tomorrow to decide
whether to extend the date for filing of affidavits. It might
also seek an extension to its three-month term as it has not
been able to begin probe into the killings even after
one-and-half months of its formation, they said.
The Commission, headed by SHRC Chairman Justice (Retd)
Syed Bashiruddin Ahmad, issued a public notice on August 31,
seeking information from persons, groups or organisations
having any knowledge about incidents which led to the
killings, beginning with the death of 17-year-old Tufail Ahmad
Mattoo after he was allegedly hit by a teargas shell at
Rajouri Kadal on June 11.
The commission was appointed by the state government on
July 27 on the recommendations of the all-party meeting
convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
To facilitate appearance of the witnesses, the commission
has set up a sub-office each in Baramulla and Anantnag towns
in addition to the main office here.
PTI
