Srinagar, Mar 17: Several political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday condemned the incident in Kulgam, where a police officer was seen kicking a woman during a protest. They sought action against those involved.
The protest was organised by locals demanding answers for the mysterious deaths of two tribal siblings and the continued disappearance of a third youth. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has ignited outrage and calls for accountability.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hamid Karra demanded strict action against those involved. He expressed shock over the treatment of the victim’s family. “It is shocking to see the family being treated in such a way despite losing their beloved member,” he said.
Karra raised concerns over the increasing number of missing persons later found dead. Recalling the recent Rajouri incident, he questioned the official explanation that three missing men had fallen to their deaths. “How is it possible that all three would collapse at the same time?” he asked.
Criticising the BJP, the J&K Congress Chief said, “The party had once claimed there would be streams full of milk and honey, but instead, uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir is increasing with each passing day.” Karra urged authorities to take immediate action and ensure justice for affected families.
People’s Conference (PC) President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone strongly condemned the incident in Kulgam where a police officer was seen kicking female relatives of two deceased youths.
“Images of a police officer kicking the female relatives of two youths who died in Kulgam is utterly disdainful,” Lone said, adding, “The whole action reeks of contempt within the minds of those who are supposed to protect the masses.”
“Such incidents are not isolated. This is not a rare occurrence but almost a daily occurrence. It is just that it escapes filming,” he added.
The PC Chief extended sympathies to those affected: “My heartfelt condolences to the families and hoping against hope that the third youth is found.”
National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP), Mian Altaf Ahmad demanded action against the accused officer involved. In a statement issued here, he termed the incident as inhumane and unprofessional and called for an inquiry into the action.
“It is a highly condemnable act. There should be an investigation and action against the officer involved,” he said.
The MP reiterated his demand for a fast-track investigation into the disappearance of three people from the Qazigund area and the death of two among them. He demanded compensation to the families of the victims and urged the administration to take measures to trace the missing person.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, expressing deep concern over the incident, stated on his X handle, “Two dead bodies—those of siblings—out of the three missing tribal youths who disappeared last month in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district have been recovered so far. The third remains missing. How do you expect their families to react? Will they not mourn and protest, demanding justice? Why should they be denied their democratic right to protest?”
“It is painful to see a police officer kicking a female protester. Such an act of ruthlessness is condemnable,” the X post further reads.
