Karachi, The Indian National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has issued a notice to the administration of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the custodial deaths of three civilians in the Poonch district. This action was prompted by a complaint regarding the incident that led to the deaths of the individuals in Indian army custody.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the complaint was filed by Delhi-based human rights activist Saddam Mujeeb. Mujeeb, who is associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), collated information from various news reports to alert the NCM about the incident, urging the commission to take action against the perpetrators and seek justice for the victims’ families.

The three men, identified as Mohammad Showkat, 22, Safeer Hussain, 45, and Shabbir Ahmad, 32, were among eight men detained by the Indian Army and were martyred on December 22. A 29-second video clip that circulated on social media showed the three men being stripped and subjected to severe treatment by Army personnel, including the application of chili powder. This video, which reveals visible wounds on the victims’ backs, was referenced in Mujeeb’s complaint.

The incident also resulted in severe injuries to the other five men, who are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

The NCM, taking cognizance of Mujeeb’s complaint, has reached out to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a detailed report on the incident by January 15, 2024. Mujeeb also mentioned that he had filed a similar complaint with the National Commission for Human Rights, which has yet to respond.

This intervention by the NCM underscores the growing concerns over human rights violations in IIOJK and highlights the need for accountability and justice in cases involving the mistreatment and death of civilians in custody.