Srinagar, Mar 23 (KNS): CPI (M) leader and former MLA Kulgam, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami on Saturday said killing of a 12-year-old boy, who was held hostage by militants during an encounter with forces, is highly condemnable and a shameful act.

Tarigami in a statement issued to KNS said that “Making civilians as human shields by combatants is an act of cowardice and must be condemned by all in one voice. The brutal incident has deeply shaken entire Kashmir Valley.”

He asked why did the militants held a minor boy hostage? What was his sin? “Reportedly the militants didn’t allow the boy to go out and they killed him before the security forces stormed the building. A 12-year-old innocent boy didn’t deserve to die this way. The family of the victim will have to bear a lifelong pain,” he said.

“I express my heartfelt condolences to the victim family,” Tarigami added. (KNS)