Karachi, In the aftermath of the custodial deaths of three villagers in the Surankote area of Poonch in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the villages of Bafliaz and Topa Pir remain engulfed in a state of anger and fear. These deaths have occurred following the villagers’ detention by Indian army troops, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the internet has been suspended and media access restricted in the area since the incident. The deceased, identified as Mohammad Showkat (26), Safeer Hussain (45), and Shabir Ahmad (30), were among a dozen others detained for questioning after an attack on an Indian army convoy near Dhatyar Morh forest area close to the villages on December 21.
Social media has been rife with videos showing the custodial torture inflicted upon the villagers by members of the Indian army, including instances of stripping detainees, beating them with batons, and applying chili powder to their wounds.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the region, bringing back painful memories of past instances of the Indian Army’s harsh tactics. The families of the victims recount the details of the fateful day. Noor Ahmad, brother of Safeer Hussain, a prominent social activist in the area, described how the army took his brother away on the morning of December 22. Mohammad Showkat was also taken from his home, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Fatima Begum, who despairingly followed the army vehicle to the camp.
Mohammad Siddique, Showkat’s uncle, expressed the community’s deep-seated fear and anger, stating that such an incident had never occurred in their area before. The atmosphere of terror and demand for justice pervades the community.
Wali Muhammad, the father of another deceased, Shabir Ahmad, shared the harrowing experience of his son’s detention. He described the abusive and forceful manner in which the army conducted their operation.
The villagers also reported ongoing restrictions on movement and communication in the area. Siddique mentioned that travel has been severely limited, with no vehicles allowed from Thanamandi to Bafliaz, affecting people’s ability to offer condolences to the bereaved families.
Mehmood Ahmad, the Sarpanch (village head) of Bafliaz Mastandara, the victims’ village, confirmed these restrictions, adding that even he has been unable to visit the families of the deceased due to police-imposed travel limitations.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the already tense situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with the local population reeling under the impact of these tragic events.