August 18, 2002	Sunday	Jamadi-us-Saani 8, 1423

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SRINAGAR, Aug 17: Indian army authorities in occupied Kashmir have dismissed two soldiers after an inquiry committee found them guilty of molesting three women, an army spokesman said on Saturday.

The spokesman said the two had also been handed over to the police for three months “rigorous imprisonment”.

He identified the soldiers as Dilbagh Singh and Nihal Singh of an Indian army wing, the National Rifles.

“When we feel mistakes have been committed, the culprits have to be punished,” the spokesman said.

Residents of the village of Delina, Baramulla district, had filed a complaint with the army and the local police against the soldiers for molesting the women on the night of July 14.

The two soldiers had entered a house disguised as militants and started molesting three Muslim women who were inside.

The occupants of the house and neighbours confronted the two men, resulting in a scuffle.

One of the soldiers managed to escape, but the other was overpowered and handed over to an army major, who promised action would be taken.

The army court of inquiry found the two guilty and dismissed them from service. They are now in occupied Kashmir’s central jail.

There have been allegations of excesses against the Indian army in the past.

“Wherever there is genuine complaint we investigate that,” the spokesman said.—AFP