Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday strongly condemned the cow vigilantism incident in Ramban district, calling it “highly condemnable and unacceptable” and warning of serious repercussions if such acts are not curbed.
Referring to the reported assault on 25-year-old Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, Mirwaiz said that “the poison of cow vigilantism” appears to be spreading to the Union Territory and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved to prevent further escalation.
The incident occurred on April 13, when Chopan, a resident of Ramban, was transporting a milch cow and two calves. According to reports, he was allegedly intercepted, chased, and assaulted by a group of men suspected to be cow vigilantes.
In an attempt to escape, he reportedly jumped into a nearby stream and has remained missing since. Search operations by police and rescue teams are ongoing.
Police have arrested four accused in connection with the case. Authorities have also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials said all aspects, including the legality of cattle transport, are being examined.
The incident triggered widespread protests in Ramban, with locals blocking the Srinagar-Jammu highway and demanding justice.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident, asserting that such acts would not be tolerated and promising strict action against those responsible.
The case has raised concerns about vigilante violence linked to cattle transport, an issue seen in other parts of India in recent years. Mirwaiz warned that failure to act decisively could have wider consequences, placing responsibility on those in authority.
