NEW DELHI: In remarks that may interest supporters of international humanitarian covenants, India’s Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has disapproved of growing criticism of a human shield the army used in Indian Kashmir to thwart stone-pelting protesters rec­ently, NDTV said on Monday.

“The recent report about a stone pelter tied to an Army vehicle, it helped contain stone pelters and saved the poll officials. Why so much noise,” Mr Rohatgi said to NDTV on Monday.

“Everyday people are dying. It’s a surcharged atmosphere. The Army is dealing with terrorists not with protesters, so they will have to be dealt with...everyone should look at the Army with pride, they are doing a great job.”

The Jammu and Kashmir police have filed a First Information Report or FIR against the army for the incident after a video surfaced, drawing huge criticism. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sought a detailed report from the state police and the Army too began an internal investigation into the incident. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said he will look into it.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...