Srinagar: Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, has condemned the recent deaths of two tribal youths in Kulgam as “unfortunate and intolerable,” stating that those responsible will face punishment and a thorough investigation must be conducted.
“Youth are disappearing without any reason, and their bodies are later found. It must be determined whether this is an accident or a deliberate act,” Wani stated.
The case involves Showkat Ahmad Bajad, his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad, who went missing on February 13 while travelling to a relative’s home in Ashmuji.
The three, who were labourers, never arrived at their destination. Showkat’s body was recovered from Vaishov Nallah on Sunday, while Riyaz’s body was found at the same location a few days earlier. The search for Mukhtar Ahmad is still underway.
These deaths have sparked protests in Kulgam with relatives and family members of two deceased and another missing person blocking the main highway.
Videos viral on social media show a large gathering of tribal members, including men, women and children, shouting slogans against the government for failing to find out those responsible.
PDP’ Iltija Mufti and MLA Handwara and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Line voiced concerns over the rising number of disappearances in Kashmir.
