OMAR EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER HANDWARA INCIDENT

Srinagar, Feb 05 (Only Kashmir): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after arriving to Srinagar here this afternoon straightly drove immediately to Handwara in North Kashmir to visit the family whose son has been killed in Army ambush.
Omar Abdullah stayed with the bereaved family for quite some time, expressed his deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, showed sympathy and solidarity with the family.
“I am here to share your grief and be with you at this movement of great tragedy”, Omar told the bereaved family while consoling them and conveying his heartfelt condolence.
The Chief Minister described the incident most unfortunate and said that he has given categoric directions to the Army, Security Forces and Police in the Unified Headquarter Meetings to apply
highest degree of caution and restraint and stick to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to avoid any killings of civilian under all circumstances. “I repeat this once again”, he said and emphasized the need for such cautions while laying ambush for militants.
Assuring the bereaved family of proper probe into the incident, the Chief Minister urged them to exhibit patience and calm. “There are people who would try to exploit your pain and feelings for disturbing peace and order as was done by them after the killing of Tufail Mattoo last June”, he told the bereaved family and a large number of people who gathered there on the occasion.
He appealed them not to get led astray by such elements.
Omar Abdullah said that he would always condemn the killings of innocents by anyone whosoever he may be and assured that during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the State he would endeavour to put an end to such incidents and work for peace and tranquility in the State.
Omar prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and patience to the family who has lost their dear one.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir also visited the bereaved family on the instructions of the Chief Minister.