Jammu & Kashmir

‘Physical assault’: Army begins probe into ‘ill-treatment’ of civilians in Kishtwar, say officials

Armed forces petrol in Jammu and Kashmir. [FPK Photo / Mohammad Syeed Shawl]

Kishtwar: Days after four civilian men from Kuath village of Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir alleged physical assault by Indian army personnel during search operation, the army has launched a probe into allegations of “ill-treatment” of civilians.

“Based on specific intelligence of the move of a group of terrorists in the Kishtwar Sector, an operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles on November 20,” the White Knight Corps, the official social media account of 16 Corps, Indian Army, posted on X.

“There are some reports on the alleged ill-treatment of civilians during the conduct of the operation. An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts. Necessary follow-up action will be ensured.”

“Further move of the group of terrorists is being monitored,” it added, tagging the Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information and the Northern Command.

Kishtwar senior superintendent of police Javed Iqbal, when contacted by Indian Express, said the police are verifying the allegations.

Quoting sources, Indian Express reported that army will probe allegations that four men from Kuath village were tortured in custody. They received a phone call on Wednesday morning, asking them to report to an army camp in Kishtwar, the report said.

The call was made against the backdrop of the killing of a Junior Commissioned Officer of the Army and injuries to three other army personnel in the Chask area on November 10.

The allegations of torture emerged just two days after Northern Army Commander Lt Genera M V Suchindra Kumar visited Kishtwar and reviewed the security situation there.

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