Srinagar: Army admits killing a Kashmiri teacher during overnight raids, says "unjustified and unacceptable"

The army, amid protests in Kashmir, admitted that a school teacher was beaten to death by its soldiers during overnight raids at a village near Srinagar and called it "absolutely unjustified and unacceptable".

Shabir Ahmad Mangoo, who taught at a government school, and several others were thrashed on 17 August night at Khrew, 40 km from Srinagar leading to Shabir's death.

According to NDTV, his family alleges that the army searched house to house for protesters and beat Shabir mercilessly.

The death spurred fresh protests in Kashmir, which has been witnessing clashes in the aftermath of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on 8 July.

"These raids are not sanctioned at any level. Let me tell you what happened when one person was killed in the beating by army persons. It's unjustified. Nobody can support this. And there's absolutely no sanction for these actions," NDTV quoted Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda.

The army has ordered an investigation and appealed for calm.

According to the report, when asked if his appeal was addressed to separatists, Lt Gen Hooda said, "Everyone needs to step back. Where are the protest calendars coming from?"

Shabir's relative was quoted in the report saying that the soldiers "started thrashing us, broke glasses and vandalised our homes. They barged into our homes, dragged young men out and beat and tortured them."

The police say 50 people suffered serious injuries in the beatings. Locals allege that many houses were also damaged.

Police has filed a murder complaint against the army battalion accused of the raids.

The raids came after protests and stone pelting were reported in the same village a few days ago. "There is anger on both sides, all of us need to sit together and deescalate" said Gen Lt General Hooda.

While appealing for peace, the army also said it will resume counter-insurgency operations, which were affected by over 40 days of unrest, reports NDTV.