Srinagar, Relatives of the three Kashmiri youths, wrongfully killed in a fabricated encounter in Amshipora, Kashmir in July 2020, are voicing their discontent and planning legal action following the suspension of life imprisonment and subsequent bail for Indian Army Captain Bhoopendra Singh.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the families, hailing from Rajouri district in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, are determined to appeal the armed forces tribunal’s decision in a higher court, labeling the ruling as a “grave injustice.” The tribunal’s order has provisionally suspended Singh’s sentence, requiring him to report periodically to its principal registrar starting January next year.

The encounter, which occurred in Shopian district on July 18, 2020, led to the deaths of Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammed Ibrar, originally from Rajouri district. The Indian troops involved had falsely labeled them as “militants.” The families of the deceased are now rejecting the tribunal’s decision and are seeking justice and truth in the higher courts.

Sabir Hussain, father of Abrar Ahmed, expressed his disappointment with the tribunal’s decision, stating, “We are poor people and feel we were denied justice… We were expecting the death sentence for the captain for killing three innocents in cold blood… We will not stay silent and challenge the order of the tribunal.”

Bagha Khan, father of Imtiyaz Ahmed, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the families’ collective commitment to pursuing justice. “We will move the higher court and appeal against the order of the tribunal. This is not acceptable to us as a compensation of Rs five lakh and a job with a salary of Rs 14,000 are not worth the lives of our children,” he stated.

Additionally, All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, Muhammad Yusuf Naqash, has condemned the release of Captain Bhupinder Singh on bail, highlighting it as a violation of international laws and a blatant disregard for humanity. He lamented the continuous brutal tactics employed by India against Kashmiris and the absence of significant international intervention.

This case has garnered attention, spotlighting the ongoing struggle for justice in Kashmir and the broader implications of human rights violations in conflict zones.