The Indian Army has honoured Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi of 53 Rashtriya Rifles who had tied a local youth in front of a jeep last month in Kashmir as a human shield to avoid attack from stone-pelters.

The Army has confirmed that he was awarded COAS (Chief of Army Staff) commendation for sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

The April 9 incident in Budgam, had stirred a controversy in the Kashmir Valley. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had described the incident as shocking.

A video of the incident which happened during Srinagar by-polls had gone viral leading to an uproar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had also registered an FIR against the security forces.

On April 15 the Army had constituted a court of inquiry into the incident.

According to security officials, the man was tied to prevent stone-pelters from targeting soldiers during the Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll last month.

FRESH CONTROVERSY OVER PARESH RAWAL'S TWEET

The Army's announcement incidentally came on a day when BJP MP Paresh Rawal kicked up a row by saying that author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an army jeep instead of a stone-pelter.

"Instead of tying stone pelter on the army jeep tie Arundhati Roy (sic)!" the actor-politician tweeted, taking a swipe at the author who has been a trenchant critic of the BJP and the Army action in the Valley.

His tweet drew condemnation from many users on the social media platform with some accusing him of inciting violence.

Also read:

Major who tied Kashmiri civilian to jeep given clean chit, Army brass believes he saved lives

Kashmir: Army orders probe against major for tying man to jeep as human shield

Paresh Rawal wants Arundhati Roy to be tied to army jeep instead of stone pelter

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Human shield row: Indian Army orders court of inquiry against Major