Kishtwar: Videos of BJP MLA Shagun Parihar and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma confronting police officials over the handling of the mortal remains of two slain Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar have triggered a debate on social media, with several users questioning the BJP leaders over their approach to the issue.
The bodies of the deceased SPOs in Kiyar village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
The videos, which have been widely shared on Instagram, show Parihar expressing anger over the transportation of the bodies of Babi Chand and Rashpal Kumar to their native village in a dumper without coffins. She is also seen questioning senior police officers over the arrangements made for the deceased personnel.
“Our bravehearts have been insulted,” Parihar said while confronting a senior police officer, alleging that senior officials arrived only after the matter was raised with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
After visiting the families of the deceased earlier, the MLA posted on X, “Visited Kyar, Kishtwar, the place where our brave SPOs, Late Sh. Babi Chand Ji and Late Sh. Rashpal Kumar Ji, made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties in the service of the nation. Paid my humble tributes to these brave souls and expressed heartfelt condolences to their families. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice will always be remembered. Standing firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time. Their sacrifice will never go in vain. May God grant eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to their families. Jai Hind🇮🇳 Om Shanti. (sic) ”
However, the BJP leaders’ public confrontation with police officials has also drawn questions from social media users, particularly over the accountability of elected representatives and the role of the ruling BJP-led government of India in addressing security and administrative concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.
Several users questioned why BJP representatives were publicly complaining about the functioning of the administration instead of using their political influence to ensure accountability and corrective action.
Shagun Parihar interacts with the family members of the two slain SPOs during her visit to their residence
“You are literally in the government, and all you do is complain?” one Instagram user commented.
Another wrote: “Sarkar tumhari hai, sawal karo” (You are in the government; ask questions).
A third user questioned whether Parihar, as an elected representative, should be directing the authorities to take corrective measures rather than publicly expressing dissatisfaction with officials.
“Respect to all the soldiers, but isn’t she supposed to instruct them as a member of the ruling government instead of complaining to her own officials? Keeping emotions aside, she should do the real work for the victims’ families,” the user wrote.
Another comment read: “The Defence Ministry is yours, so why not raise the complaint there?”
Some users also criticised what they described as political theatrics, questioning why representatives were expressing helplessness over an administrative issue.
The reactions have brought the question of political and administrative accountability into focus, particularly given the BJP’s position at the Centre and the role of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy erupted after the bodies of SPOs Babi Chand, 57, and Rashpal Kumar, 45, residents of Kiyar village in Kishtwar’s Dachhan area, were allegedly transported in a dumper without coffins on Friday.
MLA offers condolences during her visit to Kiyar village in Kishtwar
The two personnel had gone missing on November 11 after gunfire was reported in the Deharna forest area of Marwah. Their bullet-riddled bodies were recovered the following morning during a search operation. Their service weapons were also missing, raising suspicion of a militant attack.
Villagers alleged that no senior police officer accompanied the bodies and that they had to arrange a stretcher from the Army and white cloth to cover the mortal remains.
The incident triggered widespread outrage, following which the two SPOs were cremated with full honours. Sunil Sharma also took up the matter with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and assured the families that their concerns had been conveyed to the administration.
