Calls for justice in mysterious deaths of two tribal youths
jj correspondent
Jammu, March 17, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was the scene of intense uproar on Monday, as legislators from across party lines came together to condemn the police action against protesters demanding justice for two tribal youths whose deaths under mysterious circumstances have shocked the region.
The controversy began during the Question Hour, when MLA Surankote, Choudhary Muhammad Akram, rose to express his outrage over the assault on a woman protester by a police officer. Akram urged the immediate dismissal of the responsible officer, condemning the incident as an act of unacceptable brutality. He called for the entire House to stand in condemnation of the attack.
This appeal was met with widespread support, as legislators from the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress united in protest. Prominent NC legislators, including Javed Choudhary, Mian Mehar Ali, Javaid Mirchal, and Zaffar Ali Khatana, moved towards the well of the House, demanding accountability for the police officer involved. However, they were quickly stopped by marshals, leading to further tensions.
In a passionate plea, NC legislator Nazir Gurezi questioned, “Is Jammu and Kashmir becoming a police state? Can the police shoot, arrest, or assault anyone without consequence? Is there no law to govern their actions?” His comments reflected the growing public concern over police excesses in the region.
In an attempt to ease the situation, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather intervened, assuring the protesting members that the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, would personally address the issue.
Police Brutality Caught on Camera, Sparks Outrage: The uproar was fueled by a viral video showing police officers beating and kicking protesters, including women, during a demonstration on Sunday in Kulgam. The protesters had gathered to demand a thorough investigation into the mysterious deaths of two youths, who were reportedly beaten by police before their deaths. The shocking footage spread like wildfire on social media, drawing condemnation from political leaders, human rights activists, and the general public.
The two youths, Mohammad Showkat Bajad and Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, were among three youths reported missing from Mah Ashmuji, Kulgam, on February 13. The bodies of Showkat and Riyaz, both from Chata Doonda in Rajouri, were recovered last week from Vaishow Nallah. The third youth, Mukhtar Ahmad, remains missing, and search operations by the security forces continue.
The post-mortem reports confirmed that the cause of death for the two youths was “antemortem drowning,” raising suspicions about the circumstances of their deaths, particularly given that most water bodies in Kashmir had dried up at the time.
Demand for Judicial Inquiry Grows Louder: Gujjar leader Talib Hussain led calls for a judicial inquiry into the deaths, emphasizing the unnatural nature of the drowning. “These youths went missing when the water bodies in Kashmir were largely dry. How did they drown? We suspect foul play,” he stated. “The SHO thrashed us, including fasting women, and even threatened us with fake encounters. Is seeking justice a crime?” Hussain questioned, as his call for accountability grew louder.
In response, a police spokesperson announced that a full inquiry would be conducted into the conduct of the officers involved in the incident. “The DIG of Srinagar will lead the investigation and submit findings within 10 days,” the spokesperson assured.
DIG South Kashmir, Javaid Iqbal Matoo, also met with protesters blocking the Qazigund highway, assuring them that if any officer had acted wrongly, appropriate action would be taken. He added that the deaths were under investigation and promised to share the findings with the public.
Deputy CM Calls for Stronger Oversight: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary expressed his deep concern over the Kulgam incident, calling it “unfortunate.” He emphasized that the government was duty-bound to protect its citizens, stating, “The recent incidents, including the killings in Billawar and the disappearances in Kulgam, are deeply troubling.” Choudhary urged the Lieutenant Governor, who oversees the police, to look into the matter and ensure that such incidents do not occur again. “Jammu and Kashmir has never witnessed such a situation. We expect an end to such killings and incidents like the one in Kulgam,” he added.
Political Leaders Unite to Condemn Police Actions: Political leaders from all parties condemned the actions of the police. National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi called the police actions “disgraceful and inhumane,” demanding transparent investigations into both the deaths and the brutality shown towards the protesters.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari termed the officer’s actions as “ruthless and condemnable,” adding his voice to the growing chorus for accountability. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hamid Karra criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “fueling uncertainty” in the region and called for greater accountability.
Allegations of Restricting Access to Kulgam: PDP leader Iltija Mufti accused the authorities of locking her house gates without prior notice, preventing her from visiting Kulgam to show solidarity with the protesters. “Such high-handedness only alienates the people further,” Mufti stated, while also condemning the police officer’s assault on the protester.
Sajad Lone Highlights Systemic Problems in the Region: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) President Sajad Lone pointed out that the incident was not an isolated one but a reflection of systemic contempt for the public. “Such incidents are not rare; they happen almost every day, but rarely get filmed,” Lone remarked. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and called for continued efforts to locate the missing youth.
Public Sentiment Demands Accountability and Justice: The growing protests across Jammu and Kashmir underscore the deep public anger over the handling of the Kulgam incident. As the political leadership calls for accountability, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir await answers. The government is under increasing pressure to ensure justice for the two youths whose tragic deaths have sparked widespread protests and calls for reform in the region’s law enforcement practices.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether justice will be served or if further tensions will arise.
