Kulgam: On Sunday, massive protests erupted in Kulgam district after the bodies of two missing tribal youths were recovered under mysterious circumstances.
The protest became heated when a police officer allegedly misbehaved with women protestors and was caught on camera kicking them. Following the video’s circulation on social media, also shared on X by PDP’s Iltija Mufti, authorities launched an inquiry, instructing the findings to be submitted within 10 days.
On February 13, three tribal youths—Mohammad Showkat Bajar, Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmed—went missing while travelling to a wedding in a nearby village. Police have since recovered the bodies of Showkat and his brother Riyaz from Vaishow stream in Mah Ashmuji, Kulgam. Showkat’s body was found on Sunday, while Riyaz’s was recovered on March 13. The search for Mukhtar is underway.
The deaths sparked protests from the victims’ families and local residents, who demanded answers regarding the disappearances. the protesters also blocked the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Kulgam and during the demonstration, a police officer allegedly kicked women protestors, an act captured in a viral video that triggered widespread outrage.
Various politicians have voiced their concern seeking action for the behaviour. People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone criticised the officer’s behaviour, calling it “utterly disdainful” and reflective of a broader pattern of misconduct.
PDP’s Iltija Mufti, said, “Once again the gates of our house have been locked up. Such is the high handedness that they don’t even have the courtesy to inform us. I wanted to visit Kulgam where dead bodies of two young men who disappeared mysteriously were finally found. What are the authorities trying to hide here?”.
In response to the backlash, the police announced an official inquiry, with DIG South Kashmir Range tasked with investigating and submitting a report within 10 days.
“A video has surfaced on the social media regarding a police officer’s conduct with the public in Kulgam. We have taken cognisance of the yesterday’s incident and the allegations regarding the officers conduct. DIG SKR will enquire and submit his findings within 10 days,” Kashmir Zone Police posted.
Meanwhile, the issue reached the Jammu Assembly, where NC, Congress, and PDP members called for strict action against the involved officer.
