Police Investigate Killing; CM Demands Accountability
Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Feb 06 : A civilian truck driver was killed in a firing incident involving Army personnel on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad national highway near Sangrama in north Kashmir.
Taking to the micro-blogging platform X, the Chinar Corps of the Army wrote, “On February 5, 2025, based on specific intelligence input concerning the movement of terrorists, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was established by security forces.
A speeding, suspicious civilian truck was spotted. When challenged, the truck did not stop despite repeated warnings; instead, it accelerated further while crossing the check post. Alert troops pursued the vehicle for over 23 km. Shots were fired aimed at the tires to deflate them, which forced the vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk. Following a detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by security forces, where he was pronounced dead.
The fully loaded truck has been sent to the nearest police station. A detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway, and an investigation into the antecedents of the suspect is in progress.
Meanwhile, the police, in a statement issued to Kashmir Despatch, said that an FIR has been registered at PS Baramulla. The truck has been moved to the nearest police station for a thorough search.
The police statement further urges 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 the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday stated that the Kathua and Baramulla incidents are highly unfortunate. He has taken up these incidents with the Union Government and insisted that they be investigated in a timely and transparent manner.
Taking to the micro-blogging platform X, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote, “I have seen reports of excessive use of force and harassment of Makhan Din in police custody in Billawar, leading to his suicide, as well as the death of Waseem Ahmed Malla, who was shot by the army under circumstances that are not entirely clear.
Both of these incidents are highly unfortunate and should not have happened. Jammu and Kashmir will never be completely normalized and free of terror without the cooperation and partnership of the local population. Incidents like these risk alienating the very people we need to carry with us on the road to complete normalcy.
I have taken up these incidents with the Union Government and insisted that both incidents be investigated in a timely and transparent manner. The Government in Jammu and Kashmir will also order its own inquiries,” the post read.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
