Srinagar: In a move to assuage the feelings of residents of Chitti Bandi village who resorted to violent protests against the killing of five civilians by the soldiers, the Army today (Feb 9, 2004) said it will adopt the village and jointly with the civil administration take care of the bereaved families.

The civil administration and Army have jointly undertaken to take care of the bereaved families. Further, the Army has committed to adopt Chitti Bandi, a Defence spokesman said in a statement.

"The Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, the Senior Superintendent of Police and the Brigade Commander visited the area and met the local leaders and the affected families to express their grief on the sad loss of life," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Dheeraj Gupta disbursed the ex-gratia relief and assured jobs to one member of each of the bereaved families, the spokesman said.

Bandipur area witnessed violent protests yesterday following allegations that the security forces used the slain civilians as human shields during an encounter with militants in Tatwas Bahak forests of the area.

The spokesman said the operation in Bandipura hills was going on and so far six militants have been killed. "But unfortunately, in the process, three soldiers and five civilians also lost their lives."