In the wake of the violence against three civilians in Kashmir, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has criticized the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), stating that it emboldens custodial violence and torture. The three men, aged between 27 and 42, were found dead under “mysterious circumstances” on Friday.
Owaisi took to X on Sunday, December 24, expressing his concern: “Horrifying news from #Kashmir. @PMOIndia compensation is not enough. AFSPA in Kashmir emboldens such custodial violence and torture. The culprits need to be investigated and punished under civilian laws.”
The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced compensation and jobs for the families of the deceased civilians on Saturday, December 23. However, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti questioned the Indian Army’s role in the incident during a press conference in Srinagar.
Mufti stated, “Reports are coming from Topa Peer village suggesting that the Indian Army picked up 15 people for interrogation. Among them, the bodies of three people – Safir Hussain, Shaukhat Hussain, and Mohammed Shabeer – are seen lying on the ground while chilli powder is being smeared on their bruises.”
While expressing concerns about the authenticity of the video, Mufti called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Several regional political parties, including the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), have condemned the civilian killings and demanded justice, holding protests in response.
The Indian Army, in response to the allegations, assured its full support and cooperation in the investigation. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army stated on [Social Media Platform], “The matter is under investigation. The Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations.”
