Mufti Mehbooba asks J&K government to ‘act quickly’ on alleged ill-treatment of civilians

Last update:November 22, 2024, 1:07 PM IST

Mufti Mehbooba has demanded action over allegations of ill-treatment of a civilian by army personnel during an anti-terror operation in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti (Image: PTI)

People’s Democratic Party Chairperson Mehbooba Mufti on Friday demanded the Jammu and Kashmir government to take swift action against army personnel responsible for alleged ill-treatment of civilians during anti-terror operations in Kishtwar district.

Some soldiers were alleged to have beaten up five civilians, injuring them, during anti-terrorist operations in the Mughal Maidan area on November 20.

Taking cognizance of the allegation, the army launched an inquiry into the matter.

“Allegations of severe torture have emerged from Kishtwar, taking us back to the disturbing events that took place in Bafliaz Surankote earlier this year,” Mehbooba Mufti said in a post on X.

“Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad and Mehraj-ud-Din, all from Kuath village, were called to the Army camp for interrogation, where they were allegedly subjected to extreme physical torture,” she claimed.

The PDP chief also claimed that the victims were “severely injured and could not walk”. They had to be taken to hospital, she claimed.

“Urge the Union Territory government to take swift action against those involved to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such heinous human rights violations,” the former chief minister added.

Later, in a statement issued by the party, the PDP chief called on the Union Territory government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

“She stressed the need for urgent measures to ensure the safety and dignity of civilians, noting that such violations erode public trust in institutions and exacerbate people’s alienation,” the statement said.

Mufti appealed to civil society and citizen groups in the country to closely monitor the situation and ensure that justice is done.

She reiterated her party’s commitment to oppose “all forms of injustice” and protect the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

On Thursday, the Army’s White Knight Corps, in a statement on X, said, “Based on specific information about the movement of a group of terrorists in Kishtwar sector, an operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles on November 20.” there are some reports of alleged ill-treatment of civilians during the operation.

“An investigation is being launched to establish the facts. The necessary follow-up measures will be ensured”, the statement added.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

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Srinagar, India