Unfortunate, won’t remain silent: Deputy CM,Other Political Leaders Demand Accountability
DIG South Kashmir Assures Probe: ‘Wrongful Acts Will Face Action,’ Vows Transparency in Death Investigations
Suhail Khan
Jammu, Mar 17 : The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed intense uproar on Monday over police action against protesters demanding justice for two tribal youths found dead under mysterious circumstances.
As the Question Hour began, MLA Surankote Choudhary Muhammad Akram, as per Kashmir Despatch, stood up in the House to strongly condemn the assault on a woman protester by a police officer. He urged immediate action against the responsible personnel, emphasizing the act was unacceptable and demanding condemnation from the entire House.
Legislators from the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress united in protest, transcending party lines. Ruling NC legislators Javed Choudhary, Mian Mehar Ali, Javaid Mirchal, and Zaffar Ali Khatana rushed toward the well of the House but were halted by marshals.
“Is J&K a police state? Can police shoot, arrest anyone? Is there no law for the police?” questioned NC legislator Nazir Gurezi.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather pacified the protesting members by stating, “J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will address the matter.”
Viral Video Sparks Outcry
A video of police officers kicking and beating protesters, including women, during a Sunday demonstration in Kulgam went viral, drawing sharp criticism from political parties and activists. The protesters demanded a probe into the mysterious deaths of two youths allegedly thrashed by police.
Three youths—Mohammad Showkat Bajad, Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad—were reported missing from Mah Ashmuji, Kulgam, on February 13. The bodies of brothers Showkat and Riyaz, from Chata Doonda, Rajouri, were recovered from Vaishow Nallah last week. The third youth remains missing, with security forces launching search operations.
The post-mortem report indicated “antemortem drowning” as the cause of death, according to the examining doctor.
Calls for Judicial Probe
Gujjar leader Talib Hussain demanded a judicial inquiry, stating, “The youths vanished when most water bodies in Kashmir were dry. How did they drown? We suspect foul play. The SHO thrashed us, even fasting women, and threatened fake encounters. Is seeking justice a crime?”
Police Order Inquiry
A police spokesperson announced an inquiry: “The DIG, Srinagar, will investigate the officer’s conduct in Kulgam and submit findings within 10 days.”
DIG South Kashmir Javaid Iqbal Matoo met protesters blocking the Qazigund highway, stating, “If anyone acted wrongly, action will follow. The deaths are under investigation, and details will be shared.”
Meanwhile, Terming Kulgam incident as unfortunate Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday said that the government is duty bound to ensure the safety of the citizens.
“The government in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be weakened by different tactics. Incidents like Billawar killings, three persons going missing from Kulgam are unfortunate.”
“The Lieutenant Governor, who has control over the Police, should look into the matter and ensure such incidents are not repeated. J&K has never seen such a situation before. We will expect an end to the killings and Kulgam like incidents.
Political Condemnation
NC MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi condemned the “disgraceful, inhumane” police actions, calling for transparent probes into both the deaths and brutality.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari termed the officer’s actions “ruthless and condemnable.”
JKPCC Chief Tariq Hamid Karra criticized the BJP for “escalating uncertainty” in J&K and demanded accountability.
PDP Leader Iltija Mufti Alleges Restrictions
Iltija Mufti accused authorities of locking her house gates without notice, preventing her from visiting Kulgam. “Such high-handedness alienates people further,” she said, condemning the officer’s assault on a protester.
Sajad Lone Highlights Systemic Issues
JKPC President Sajad Lone called the incident reflective of systemic contempt: “This isn’t rare—it’s almost daily, just rarely filmed.” He extended condolences to the families and urged efforts to locate the missing youth.
Protests Spread to Jammu
Jammu University students and lawyers staged demonstrations demanding action against the officer. Gujjar leader Guftar Choudhary condemned the detention of protesting students, urging their immediate release.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
