In Jammu and Kashmir, three civilians, aged between 27 and 42, were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning in connection with the killing of four Army jawans in a recent militant ambush in Poonch on December 21. The civilians were later found dead on December 22, prompting widespread concern and allegations of custodial torture.
Navaid Hamid expressed his dismay, stating, “Killing of 3 innocents Kashmiris by army in #Kashmir is shocking. Gud, tht state govt. ordered an inquiry, announced willingness for compensation, BUT the cycle of killing-inquiry-compensation will continue until draconian AFSPA is withdrawn as armymen enjoys impunity under it.”
The state government has responded by ordering a thorough investigation into the deaths and expressing a commitment to compensate the affected families. The Jammu and Kashmir Police are also conducting their probe into the incident.
The Army, in a statement on Saturday, declared its commitment to extending “full support and cooperation” in the conduct of the investigation. The Army has initiated an internal investigation to address the allegations surrounding the deaths of the three civilians in the Poonch district.
Former Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, expressed deep concern over civilian deaths following a security forces’ operation.
She called for an urgent and unbiased investigation into the reported killing of three civilians, emphasizing the disturbing condition of their bodies and widespread allegations of torture on detained villagers. Mufti stressed the need for a thorough probe to address the appalling situation.
“The ongoing miseries faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reached a horrifying peak,” Mufti said at a press conference here. “Three innocent lives have been snatched away, their bodies said to be bearing brutal marks of torture while authorities have maintained a criminal silence. Can anyone dare claim normalcy in a land where such barbarity runs rampant?”