Video of soldiers desecrating Kashmiri militants’ bodies goes viral; Army assures action

Srinagar: A video, showing army soldiers trampling over bodies of Lashkar militants Abu Ismail and Abu Qasim after the duo was killed in Nowgam area of Srinagar on Thursday, went viral on social media. The video shot after the gunfight shows the bodies of the militants on ground, with two soldiers trampling their faces under their boots, as the other troopers look on. The video also shows bodies being dragged from the site of the encounter into a lane. The two militants, Lashkar commander Abu Ismail and his associate Abu Qasim, were killed in Aribagh area of Nowgam on the outskirts of the city in Srinagar on Thursday.

Condemning the act, Human rights activist, Khurram Pervez said the desecration of bodies is highly condemnable and is considered a big offence under international laws. Kashmir Reader has quoted him as saying “It’s highly condemnable under Geneva conventions. But here (in Kashmir), forces are committing it just like it is a normal because nobody has opposed them.” The Lashkar also condemned the act stating that the “inhumane behaviour” of Indian forces with militants’ bodies was “unethical and unacceptable”. Its members warned of revenge.

Meanwhile Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that the army has taken cognisance of the incident and suitable action is being taken against the involved. However He did not elaborate what the action would be.

It must be noted that abusing of dead bodies is considered as a war crime under International Humanitarian Law.