Srinagar: The killing of two civilians by Indian troops has ignited widespread anger and condemnation, with demands for immediate investigations into the deaths mounting across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X that in the Billawar area of Kathua, 25-year-old Makhan Din was detained on allegations of being an Over Ground Worker (OGW). Mufti stated that he was subjected to brutal torture while in custody, allegedly forced into a confession, and later found dead under mysterious circumstances.
In the aftermath of the incident, authorities sealed off the area and suspended internet services, escalating panic among residents. Reports indicate that Indian forces have intensified crackdowns, with more detentions occurring in the area.
Mehbooba Mufti demanded an independent probe into the custodial death, urging the Police Chief to ensure accountability. “This incident appears to follow a troubling pattern of targeting innocent youths on fabricated charges,” she stated, calling for the Director General of Police (DGP) to take immediate action.
In a separate incident in Baramulla’s Sopore, a civilian was shot dead by the Army after being chased when the driver didn’t stop at a checkpoint. Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, expressed shock over the ‘unbridled impunity’ of Indian troops on social media platform X.
The twin killings have sparked outrage across political and civil society circles, with calls for transparency and justice growing louder. Police have urged people to maintain peace and order.