Srinagar: The family of a youth, whose dead body was found under mysterious circumstances last month in Ramban district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), staged a protest, demanding a thorough investigation into his death.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the protesters, carrying placards, gathered at Nowgam, Srinagar, urging the authorities to probe the matter and deliver justice. The deceased, Umar Yaseen, was reported missing on December 22, 2024, and his body was discovered on December 30, 2024, in a deep gorge at Digdool, alongside his vehicle.

Speaking to local media, the father of the deceased expressed deep anguish and called for a fair and transparent investigation. “We strongly believe that our son did not die a natural death. We urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly and bring the truth to light,” he said.

Another family member raised the question of why Umar was not found during the first seven days of his disappearance, despite the Srinagar-Jammu Highway being a busy 24/7 route.

The family suspects that Umar may have been held hostage during this time and killed only after they approached the media, which made it risky for the perpetrators to release him alive.

While the cause of death remains unclear, the family strongly suspects foul play. Such deaths are not uncommon in IIOJK, with widespread belief that Indian troops and agencies are behind them, seeking to instill fear among the Kashmiri population.