A civilian was killed by the Indian Army in Baramulla, North Kashmir, after allegedly failing to stop at a security checkpoint, say police sources, while Kashmiri locals and leaders call it a targeted killing.
The incident took place late on Wednesday when a truck carrying apple boxes was signaled to stop at a naka (checkpoint) set up by security forces. The vehicle, reportedly bearing the license plate JK 03 G2567, did not comply with the stop command, said the authorities.
The chase ended after approximately 23 kilometers at Sangrama Chowk, where security forces claimed that they opened fire, targeting the vehicle’s tires.
An official identified the victim as Waseem Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Majeed Mir, a resident of Goripora Bomai in Baramulla’s Sopore.
Waseem sustained injuries during the incident and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla.
Army officials issued a statement acknowledging the event, explaining that the firing was an attempt to halt the vehicle after it allegedly ignored multiple warnings. The statement detailed that the Army chased the truck and fired at its tires in an attempt to stop it safely.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the Army’s actions.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti publicly challenged the Army’s narrative, questioning the necessity and proportionality of the response.
“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? How long will you justify this unbridled impunity by pointing everyone with the needle of suspicion?” she asked.
The Army’s and police’s statements are under scrutiny, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the civilian’s death. Officials have promised to look into the matter, though further details on the investigation remain pending.
