Srinagar, Feb 6 (Reporter) A truck driver was shot dead by the Army after he allegedly ignored repeated warnings to stop at a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The slain was identified as Waseem Ahmed Mir, a resident of Bomai Sopore. The firing incident took place at Chunad village along the Srinagar- Baramulla national highway and police said that an FIR has been registered and a thorough investigation is underway. Sources said that the driver was brought dead to the Government Medical College Baramulla at around 1.30 am. The injury suggested a gunshot wound with the entry point on the right side of the axilla (armpit) and the bullet exiting near the left shoulder tip, the sources added. A post mortem was also conducted at the medical college. The Army said the truck was chased for over 23 kilometres. In a post on X, Army’s Chinar Corps said that based on a very specific intelligence input on Wednesday about the move of terrorists, a MVCP was established by Security Forces. They said one speeding suspicious civil truck was spotted and when it was challenged, the truck didn't stop despite repeated warnings instead accelerated further while crossing the check post. “Alert troops pursued the vehicle for over 23 km. Shots were fired aiming on tyres to deflate which forced vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk. Consequent to detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by Security Forces where he was declared dead,” Army said. “The fully loaded truck has been sent to nearest police station. Detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway and investigation on antecedents of the suspect is in progress,” they added. J&K Police said that an FIR was registered in Police Station Baramulla. The Police urged the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation regarding this incident. “A thorough investigation is underway, and all updates will be communicated through official channels. Any attempt to disrupt public order or spread false information will be dealt with strictly,” police said. Meanwhile Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti raised questions about the incident. “Shocking that after a civilian killing in Kathua dubbed as an ‘OGW’ another civilian from Sopore was shot dead by the Army. How strange that after chasing the truck for over 23 kms they claim to have fired at the tyres but somehow misfired at him instead. Are Kashmiri lives so cheap? How long will you justify this unbridled impunity by pointing everyone with the needle of suspicion?” she posted on X. CPI(M) leader and Member of J&K Legislative Assembly M Y Tarigami said the incident could have been easily prevented. “Strongly condemning the killing of a truck driver in Army firing in Sopore after he allegedly ignored the soldiers' signal to stop...////...