In a poignant statement on the social media platform X, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament, Ruhullah Mehdi, has brought to light the alarming situation in the region following the deaths of two civilians at the hands of security forces within the last 24 hours.
This incident came shortly after a security review meeting led by Home Minister in Delhi, intensifying the gravity of the situation, said Mehdi.
In Kathua, a 25-year-old individual was found dead in custody, prompting many including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The deceased was identified as Makhan Din from the Billawar area, and the case has raised serious questions about custodial deaths in the region.
In another incident, a civilian truck driver, Waseem Ahmad Mir, was killed by Indian Army personnel near Sopore after allegedly ignoring a checkpoint on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
The Army stated that they fired at the tyres of the truck to stop it, but the action resulted in Mir’s death. This incident has sparked outrage among local leaders who question the value placed on Kashmiri lives.
In his post on X, Ruhullah Mehdi expressed deep concern over these incidents, stating, “While the Nation including the opposition parties in Parliament are concerned – which we all should be- about the handcuffing and deportation of the Indian citizens in America, two citizens (civilians) in Jammu and Kashmir got killed by security forces during the last 24 hours, soon after the meeting for the security review of Kashmir conducted by Home Minister of India yesterday in Delhi.”
“As per reports one was killed by torture in custody and the other on road by firing bullets in his chest for (allegedly) having failed to stop at a checkpoint,” he added.
Mehdi, who represents Srinagar in Parliament, highlighted that he attempted to raise this critical issue in Parliament but was denied the opportunity to speak.
“I asked for the time in Parliament today to raise the issue but I was not given the time for it,” he said.
He urged the INDIA alliance, headed by the Indian National Congress, to show equal concern for the deaths of these innocent citizens in Jammu & Kashmir. He called for the immediate arrest of the security personnel involved and a demand for justice, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in these tragic events.
Mehdi said: “I hope the Nation specifically INDIA alliance headed by Congress will be equally concerned about this murder of two innocent citizens in J&K and ask for the immediate arrest of the security personnels involved in these killings and demand for justice.”
“Are Kashmiri lives so cheap?” ask leaders
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.
25-year-old found dead in custody in Kathua
In a shocking development from Kathua, Makhan Din, a 25-year-old resident of Perody, Billawar, was found dead on Thursday after being detained by the local police on allegations of being an Over Ground Worker (OGW).
Former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has urged for an immediate investigation into the incident, highlighting concerns over custodial torture and fabricated charges.
According to Mehbooba Mufti, Din was detained by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Billawar on false charges.
Reports suggest that he was subjected to brutal thrashing and torture, which allegedly led to his forced confession before his tragic death.
“He was reportedly subjected to brutal thrashing and torture, forced into a confession, and tragically found dead today,” Mufti said.
The aftermath of the incident saw the area being sealed off by authorities, and internet services were cut, leading to widespread panic among the local populace.
This action has been part of an ongoing crackdown where more individuals are reportedly being picked up, adding to the tension in the region, alleged Mufti.
Locals claimed that the youth had even made a video inside a mosque where he swore that he had never seen a militant in the area.
The police have not issued any statement on the circumstances under which he was found dead.
 Member of Parliament, Ruhullah Mehdi, has brought to light the alarming situation in the region following the deaths of two civilians at the hands of security forces within the last 24 hours.){kind=link}