Srinagar, May 31 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, a family has been moving from pillar to post for the last five years to bring the killers of their lone bread winner to justice.
Ghulam Muhammad Butt of Khansahib in Budgam district was picked up by the personnel of Special Operation Group (SOG) and killed in custody. His body was later handed over to his family.
“It was on the intervening night of July 29 and 30 in 2003, when suddenly the SOG men entered our house and dragged out my husband. And when we intervened, the SOG personnel ruthlessly beat us,” told Butt’s wife, Lateefa Begum while talking to mediamen in Srinagar. She added that next morning they approached the SOG camp and Police Station, Khansahib, who denied having arrested Butt.
The SOG had also arrested Abdur Rehman Mir of the same village that evening. “After my arrest, I was taken to a neighbouring village where I saw Butt. Then both of us were taken to the Khansahib SOG camp where we were kept in two separate cells. After a few minutes, I heard cries of Butt who was being tortured.” Rehman said. “After some time, I was asked to move to the room where Butt was kept,” he said, adding, “When I saw Butt, he was naked and blood was oozing out of his mouth and nostrils.”
Recalling that horrifying night, Rehman said that a doctor was called to see Butt. But the doctor declared him dead.” “It was a horrifying scene. I was shocked. Next day when Butt’s body was handed over to his family members, I was also released with a warning that I would not open my mouth, otherwise I would also meet the same fate,” he added.
After Butt’s custodial killing, massive protests rocked Budgam after which a probe was ordered into the killing. Butt’s family and Rehman have recorded their statements before the authorities stating that the SOG personnel were responsible for the killing. But till date nobody has been arrested and the killers are roaming freely.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam has ordered the Police Station, Khansahib to submit the report of the case by June 10, 2008. However, Butt’s family said, “We are being harassed by the SOG personnel and threatened of dire consequences if we give any statement against them.”