Srinagar: An investigative report by Al Jazeera has raised significant questions about the official explanations provided by Indian authorities regarding a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The report, which focuses on members of the Gujjar tribal community, suggests a troubling pattern of state violence.

The report highlights the recent deaths of two brothers, Riyaz and Showkat Ahmad, from Kulgam district. Official accounts claim they drowned, but the report indicates physical trauma on their bodies, fueling suspicions of foul play among family and community members. This incident is part of a broader history of enforced disappearances and alleged custodial killings, deepening mistrust in the region.

The Al Jazeera investigation also notes the disappearance of Mukhtar Ahmad Awan, who was with the brothers when they vanished. Similar cases have been reported in nearby districts like Kathua, where youths have disappeared under similar circumstances. The report connects these incidents to previous abuses, including the staged killings of Gujjar men by the Indian army in 2020 and custodial deaths in Poonch in 2023.

The deaths of Riyaz and Showkat, along with Mukhtar’s disappearance, have sparked protests and political controversy. The community is demanding an inquiry, with demonstrations taking place on the highway connecting Srinagar to Jammu. In Jammu district, police have arrested student leaders from the Kashmiri Gujjar community protesting the deaths.

The Gujjar community, along with the Bakarwals, constitutes about 8 percent of the population in Jammu and Kashmir. They have faced a series of killings and unnatural deaths, contributing to a deep-rooted fear of government and security forces.

The report also references past incidents, such as the 2020 staged encounter killings in Rajouri district and the 2023 custodial deaths in Poonch. Additionally, it mentions mysterious deaths in December 2024, where 17 people, including minors, died from unidentified neurotoxins.

The pattern of disappearances and deaths raises questions about accountability and transparency. Community members, like Abid Awan, express frustration and fear over their continued suffering and the lack of response from authorities. The report underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Gujjar community in seeking justice and recognition.