The Indian army has recently initiated an investigation into the deaths of three civilians, named Mohammad Ishaq, Zahid Iqbal, and Shakir Ahmed, in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The individuals were reportedly in army custody following a militant attack on December 21 that claimed the lives of four soldiers. This incident has caused widespread outrage and ignited protests in the region.
Following the December 21 attack, the army detained eight civilians from Topa Pir village in Poonch for questioning. Local residents claim that these civilians were arbitrarily picked up and denied communication with their families. Under mysterious circumstances, the three deceased individuals were then found near the Pakistan border on December 22, escalating tension in an already volatile region.
To address mounting concerns, senior officers stationed in the area have been transferred – as confirmed by a military official. “We have initiated a court of inquiry to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the deaths”, an anonymous military official confirmed to AFP. Local activists, along with the families of the deceased, are calling for an independent action panel.
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has condemned the incident, urging the Indian government to prioritize civilian protection. The NCM also demanded a report on civilian deaths, while the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti criticized the government for the incident.
Despite expressions of regret from the Indian government for the loss of life and promises of a thorough investigation, the initial response defended the army’s actions while attributing the deaths to natural causes. This event adds to the troubled history of alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, a region plagued by decades of insurgency against Indian rule.
Jurist reports that this has resulted in protests erupting in Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with demonstrators demanding justice for the deceased and condemning the alleged brutality of the army.