CM will address issue, assures Speaker
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 17: National Conference, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), CPM and couple of Independent MLAs today raised the issue of deaths of two brothers who were among three people missing from Kulgam district since last month and demanded a high-level probe, in the Legislative Assembly.
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As soon as the House proceedings began, MLAs from NC, PDP, CPM and couple of Independents were on their feet voicing concern over missing of three civilians in Kulgam and recovery of the bodies of two of them.
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Showkat Ahmad Bajad, his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad went missing on February 13 while on their way to attend a function at the house of a relative in Ashmuji. However, the trio — who were working as labourers — never reached their destination.
Showkat Ahmad Bajad’s body was retrieved from Vaishov nullah in Kulgam district on Sunday while that of his brother was recovered from the same spot a few days ago.
Some of the MLAs mostly those from ruling National Conference also reached close to Well of the House while highlighting the issue of missing of civilians and recoveries of the bodies of two of them.
Independent MLA from Surankote Choudhary Muhammad Akram said one of our sisters who was part of the protesters was kicked by a police officer in Kulgam. A number of MLAs strongly condemned the police excesses on woman.
“This is against humanity. How a police officer can kick the woman? Stern action should be taken against the guilty officer,” NC MLA Nazir Gurezi said.
Amid continued protests in the House, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured the protesting lawmakers that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would address the issue. “The Chief Minister is in the House. He is listening to your concerns. He will address the issue,” he said.
NC member Peerzada Feroze Ahmed pointed towards the “rising” cases of people going missing, which he said has caused panic among the people.
The members said similar incidents had been reported from Kathua.
Some NC members entered the Well of the House, seeking a probe into the deaths and the alleged mistreatment of a woman by the local police, triggering a ruckus.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Parra expressed concerns over the deaths, saying, “Such incidents have created insecurity among the people. We are not accusing anyone, but there is a critical need for an impartial probe as one community feels targeted.”
Meanwhile, police today ordered an inquiry after a video surfaced purportedly showing a police officer kicking a woman protester in Kulgam district.
“A video has surfaced on the social media regarding a police officer’s conduct with the public in Kulgam. We have taken cognizance of the yesterday’s incident and the allegations regarding the officers’ conduct,” Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X. It said the DIG South Kashmir Range (SKR) would enquire into the incident that happened on Sunday and submit a report within 10 days.
Protests broke out in the district on Sunday after the body of a youth, who was among three persons missing since last month, was recovered from a water body.
Three days earlier, his brother’s body was recovered from the same stream. Meanwhile, a search operation is underway for the third missing person.
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