Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday called for a swift and transparent investigation into the killing of a civilian in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, saying the administration must establish the facts and ensure accountability.
The demand came a day after 30-year-old Arif Hussain was killed during a police operation in the Bhaderwah area. According to police, Hussain was shot after he allegedly attempted to snatch a policeman’s service rifle during a scuffle with Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel.
Mufti Calls Reports ‘Deeply Disturbing’
Reacting to the incident, Mufti expressed concern over reports surrounding the killing and the subsequent internet shutdown in the district.
“Reports emerging from Doda about the killing of a civilian, Arif Hussain, who was allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces, followed by an internet shutdown across the district, are deeply disturbing,” she said in a post on X.
Reports emerging from Doda about the killing of a civilian, Arif Hussain, who was allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces , followed by an internet shutdown across the district, are deeply disturbing.
The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and… pic.twitter.com/AHruKp9pDa— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 17, 2026Also Read12 Bengal Migrant Workers Released in Thane After Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury’s Intervention
“The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and ensure accountability,” she added.
Warns Against Targeting Muslims Over Cow Smuggling Allegations
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also cautioned against allowing allegations of cow smuggling to become a justification for violence.
“Jammu and Kashmir must not be allowed to slide towards a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and the killing of Muslims,” Mufti said.
Police Investigation Underway
According to police, the incident occurred during a late-night operation in the Jai Valley area of Bhaderwah, where security personnel challenged two men after noticing suspicious movement. During the operation, a scuffle broke out and one of the suspects allegedly tried to snatch a policeman’s service weapon. A single round was fired during the struggle, injuring Arif Hussain, who later died in hospital.
Three SOG personnel were also injured in the incident, one of them seriously.
