A man was reportedly used as a human shield in Kashmir in April
A military officer accused of using a man as a human shield in Indian-administered Kashmir has won a commendation from the army chief.
Major Leetul Gogoi reportedly tied a local man to a jeep in April to stop protesters from pelting stones at his convoy.
A probe was ordered after the incident.
The army said the award was given for his “sustained efforts” in fighting insurgency, and had no links with the “jeep incident”.
“Major Gogoi has been awarded chief of army staff’s commendation card for [his] sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations,” the PTI news agency quoted army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand as saying.
The video of the incident went viral in April, with many terming the act “inhumane”.
The army said the inquiry was continuing.
The region witnessed fresh clashes between troops and protesters amid attempts to hold a by-election in April.
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EPA
Schoolgirls have participated in protests against Indian rule
Local protesters hurled stones at security forces who were accused of opening fire into the crowds.
A viral video of a group of Kashmiris heckling a soldier has also contributed to anti-Kashmiri sentiment in the rest of the country.
There has been an armed revolt in the Muslim-majority region against rule by India since 1989.
High unemployment and complaints of heavy-handed tactics by security forces battling street protesters and fighting insurgents have aggravated the problem.
Indian army officer awarded amid ‘abuse’ inquiry}