Kathua/Baramulla: Two civilian killings in separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have triggered a wave of anger and condemnation, with political leaders demanding immediate investigations into the deaths.
Jammu Kashmir former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X that In Kathua’s Billawar area, 25-year-old Makhan Din from Perody was reportedly detained on allegations of being an Over Ground Worker (OGW).
She said he was subjected to brutal torture while in custody, allegedly forced into a confession, and later found dead under mysterious circumstances. Following the incident, authorities sealed off the area and suspended internet services, escalating panic among residents. Reports indicate that security forces have intensified crackdowns, with more detentions taking place in the region.
Mehbooba Mufti demanded an independent probe into the alleged custodial death, urging the Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief to ensure accountability. “This incident appears to follow a troubling pattern of targeting innocent youths on fabricated charges,” she stated, calling for the Director General of Police (DGP) to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Baramulla’s Sopore, a civilian was shot dead by the Army after allegedly being chased for over 23 kilometers when the driver didn’t stop at a check point. Reacting to the incident, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, expressed shock over what she termed as the ‘unbridled impunity’ of security forces.
Taking to social media platform X, Iltija wrote, “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?”
The twin killings have sparked outrage across political and civil society circles, with calls for transparency and justice growing louder.
Meanwhile, Police urged people to maintain peace and order.
The police said that it received information that an RR party had established a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) to intercept potential threats.
The police further stated that a suspicious civil truck was spotted moving at high speed. Despite repeated warnings, the vehicle did not stop and instead accelerated past the check post. Troops pursued the truck for over 23 km and, as per protocol, fired at the tyres to deflate them, forcing the vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk.
“A detailed search was conducted, and the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla, where he was declared dead.”
The police said that an FIR has been registered in PS Baramulla. The truck has been moved to the nearest police station for thorough search. Post mortem proceedings have been initiated to ascertain the cause of death.”
“We urge the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation regarding this incident.”
The police said that 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,” said the police. [KNT]
