Srinagar, Feb 06: Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir have expressed outrage following tragic incidents involving the deaths of a truck driver and a youth, reportedly at the hands of security forces. They have voiced their condemnation and called for thorough investigations and accountability.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the killing of truck driver Waseem Majeed Mir, a 35-year-old from Sopore.
In a statement issued here, he described the incident as “barbaric” and “inhuman”, saying it is due to a larger fear psychosis within society. “Such incidents are detrimental to peace initiatives, and the killing of innocent persons is unacceptable in a civilized society,” Karra said, adding that the government must act seriously to prevent further loss of life.
He urged the government to order a time-bound judicial probe into the incident, saying it is necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to provide justice for the slain driver’s family.
Karra also condemned the custodial death of a 25-year-old youth named Makhan Din from the Billawar area of Kathua. According to reports, Din was allegedly subjected to torture while in police custody. While a magisterial inquiry has been ordered, Karra called for a swift investigation to ensure that justice is delivered to the victim’s family without delay.
National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmed expressed shock over Makhan Din’s death. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of his passing. “What the reports suggest about the death of the youth raises serious concerns and demands thorough investigations,” he said. The MP further called for compensation for the family of the victim.
People’s Conference (PC) president Sajad Lone termed the incident involving a truck driver as a “murder”. “Killing is killing, irrespective of the source or context,” he said. Lone described the incident as symptomatic of a deeper malaise within the security forces and called for immediate accountability and action.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also urged a thorough and transparent investigation into the truck driver’s death.
Addressing the media persons, Bukhari said human life is of utmost importance. He called for strict protocols to prevent unnecessary loss of life during security operations. “If necessary, targets should be aimed at vehicles or tyres rather than directly at human beings,” Bukhari said.
People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen in his condemnation statement called for zero tolerance towards the killing of unarmed civilians. He criticised the security forces for allowing collateral damage during anti-terror operations. Such actions tarnish their reputation, he said.
Yaseen insisted that identifying any “black sheep” within the ranks of security personnel is essential to restore trust.
