Probe launched against army for tying man to jeep in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Kashmir: Police in India-administered Kashmir have launched investigations into the army for tying a man to a jeep allegedly as a "human shield" to deter stone-throwing protesters.
The video of the incident went viral over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation for the high-handed measure in the volatile state.
The state police filed a formal complaint against the army and began the probe following directions from state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, a local police officer said Monday.
Charges against the army include kidnapping and endangering the man's life, broadcaster Times Now reported.
The army also began an internal investigation into the incident.
The video which shows the man tied to the front of the jeep was filmed in the Budgam area when polling officers faced stone-pelting mobs during a by-election on April 9.
Security sources called the act one of self-defence and noted it deterred the protesters and helped officials and personnel exit the area safety.
The man later identified as Farooq Ahmad Dar claimed he was picked up on his way to a relative's house after casting his vote.
In a separate case, police filed a complaint pressing murder charges against the Border Security Force for the alleged death of a youth during protests on the weekend.
Muslim-majority India-administered Kashmir has been gripped by a violent, secessionist movement since the 1980s. There is strong anti-Indian sentiment in the region with a huge build-up of troops tasked with containing militancy. — dpa