Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced independent inquiries into the killing of a truck driver by the Army in Baramulla and the alleged custodial torture that led to a young man’s suicide in Kathua.
“I have seen the reports of excessive use of force and harassment of Makhan Din in police custody in Billawar leading to his suicide, and the death of Waseem Ahmed Malla, shot by the Army under circumstances that are not entirely clear. Both these incidents are highly unfortunate and should not have happened,” Abdullah posted on X.
The Chief Minister said that incidents like these risk alienating the local population and hinder efforts toward restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. “J&K will never be completely normalised and free of terror without the cooperation of & partnership with the local population,” he added.
Abdullah said he has taken up the matter with the Union Government and stressed the need for a time-bound, transparent investigation. “The Government in J&K will also order its own inquiries,” he stated.
Truck Driver Shot in Baramulla
The Army claimed that its soldiers opened fire on a truck in Baramulla after the driver failed to stop despite repeated warnings. The Srinagar-based Chinar Corps stated that the shooting was unintentional, but opposition leaders have raised serious questions about the incident.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, criticized the Army’s explanation. “Shocking that after a civilian killing in Kathua dubbed as an ‘OGW’, another civilian from Sopore was shot dead by the Army. How strange that after chasing the truck for over 23 km, they claim to have fired at the tyres but somehow misfired at him instead. Are Kashmiri lives so cheap?” she wrote on X.
Alleged Custodial Torture in Kathua
In Kathua, 26-year-old Makhan Din allegedly died by suicide after being detained and tortured in police custody on suspicion of militant links. A viral video purportedly shows Makhan stating that he was forced to confess under duress.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident, calling it part of a disturbing pattern of targeting innocent youths. “Makhan Din, aged 25 from Perody, Billawar, was detained by the SHO of Billawar on false charges of being an Over Ground Worker (OGW). He was reportedly subjected to brutal thrashing and torture, forced into a confession, and tragically found dead today,” she posted on X.
She further alleged that authorities had sealed the area and suspended internet services, creating panic. “There’s an ongoing crackdown, with more individuals being picked up,” she claimed, urging the J&K Police to conduct an immediate investigation.
