In central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, a controversy has emerged after the Indian Army said it killed a militant during an encounter. The family of the deceased, however, has rejected the claim, alleging that he had no links to militancy and demanding a probe.
‘He Was Not a Militant’: Family’s Claim
According to reports by The Indian Express and The Tribune, the deceased has been identified as Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a 28-year-old resident of Choont Waliwar village.
His brother, Ajaz Ahmad Mughal, said Rashid had left home in the morning but did not return. He was later called by the police to identify a body.
“I was shocked to see that it was my brother,” he said.
The family insists Rashid was a civilian who had completed his M.Com and worked as a part-time computer operator, helping locals with online forms and banking documents.
“You can ask anybody in our village. Even the agencies know he was not a militant,” his brother said.
Police, Army Stand by Operation
Police officials have said that the background of the deceased is being verified. Senior Superintendent of Police Khalil Ahmad Poswal stated that a weapon, reportedly an AK-56 rifle, was recovered during the operation. He also pointed out that the deceased’s brother is in Pakistan.
The Army has maintained that the operation was based on intelligence inputs, saying “the truth will come out” and that the family’s claims will be examined.
Questions Raised Over Identity, Version
Mehbooba Mufti raised concerns over the incident, pointing to allegations that the Army initially described the deceased as a foreign militant before later stating he was local.
She also highlighted claims that the victim was an orphan running an NGO.
Call for Transparent Probe
Omar Abdullah said the family’s claims should not be dismissed and called for a transparent and time-bound investigation.
“At the very least this encounter needs a transparent probe with facts made public,” he said, warning that any delay could damage credibility.
Family Seeks Justice
The family has said it will approach authorities to register a formal complaint and seek justice.
With conflicting accounts from the family and security forces, the case now hinges on the outcome of the official investigation, which is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
