CHANDIGARH: An enquiry ordered into the death of four children last month caused by an explosion has held the army responsible.
The enquiry lists the army carrying one field firing practice in unauthorized area close to population in a clear violation of the code laid down in this regard.
In this regard it may be recalled that Punjab Governor asked Barjinder Singh special secretary to
expire into the circumstances leading to the death of children on May 7 explosion in Majri village.
Barjinder Singh’s report which was submitted on May 19th is yet to be made public.
The army has soon after the incident disclaimed that it has violated any code and that firing unit kept the civil administration informed of the correct session of firing at firing range. Major N.S.
Sawaria of the ordinance Regiment proceeded with the enquiry, tried to absolve the army of the blame by suggesting that the bomb which killed the children was locally made. He commented that the explosion could have been caused by crude locally made Patassium wrapped in a copper shield.
Enquiry officer however dismissed the army officer’s plea on the basis of uncontroversial evidence.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 23, 1989
