The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded a judicial probe, led by a sitting judge, into the mysterious deaths of two tribal youths in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The demand comes amid growing public outrage and protests over the incident.
Three nomadic men, identified as Showkat Ahmad Bajad, his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad, went missing on February 13 while traveling to attend a family function. Their families staged repeated protests, urging authorities to trace their whereabouts. Subsequently, the bodies of Riyaz and Showkat were found in Veshow Nallah on two separate occasions, intensifying suspicions over their deaths.
The discovery of their bodies triggered massive demonstrations, with protestors blocking the Srinagar-Jammu highway, demanding a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the search for the third missing person, Mukhtar Ahmad, is still going on.
Legislators from the Gujjar-Bakerwal community raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, calling for a transparent investigation. The PDP has also pressed for an independent judicial inquiry, citing concerns of foul play and urging authorities to deliver justice to the victims’ families.
Senior police officials, including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South Kashmir Range, have assured the public that justice will be served. An official probe is underway to determine the cause of death and locate the missing youth. [KNT]
