J&K politicians strongly condemn Baramulla killing, Kathua suicide

Srinagar: The killing of a truck driver in Baramulla district and the death of a youth in Kathua district, following allegations of brutal police torture, triggered strong condemnation from both ruling and opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his concern over the excessive use of force and harassment faced by Makhan Din in police custody in Billawar, which allegedly led to his suicide. He also addressed the death of Waseem Ahmed Malla, who was shot by the army under unclear circumstances.

“Both these incidents are highly unfortunate and should not have happened. J&K will never be completely normalised and free of terror without the cooperation of & partnership with the local population,” he posted on X.

While stating that incidents like these risk alienating the very people “who we need to carry with us on the road to complete normalcy”, Abdullah said, “I have taken up these incidents with the Union Government & insisted that both incidents are inquired into in a time bound, transparent manner. The Government in J&K will also order its own inquiries.”

PDP leader Iltija Mufti strongly condemned the army’s killing of the Sopore truck driver, questioning the security forces’ justification for the incident. She called it “shocking” and an example of “unbridled impunity.”

She pointed out, “After chasing the truck for over 23 km, they claim to have fired at the tires but somehow misfired and shot him instead. Are Kashmiri lives so cheap?”

Iltija also condemned the treatment of the Kathua youth, who was allegedly labeled as an ‘OGW’ (Over Ground Worker) and subjected to custodial torture, leading him to take his own life. She criticized the National Conference government’s silence on these incidents, accusing them of failing to hold accountable those responsible for such events.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir brought this government to power with great hope, but today, their voices are locked, and they are not even issuing statements,” she added.

CPM leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami echoed calls for thorough investigations into both incidents to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.