Jammu: The Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed uproarious scenes over an alleged police assault on protesters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday.
As soon as proceedings of the House began this morning, MLA Surankote Choudhary Muhammad Akram drew the attention of the House towards police action against the protesters in Kulgam. “One of our sisters was kicked by a police officer in Kulgam. The entire House should condemn it,” he demanded.
Soon MLAs from the ruling NC- Congress combine and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party were on their feet, demanding action against the erring police officer.
Amid commotion in the House, NC MLAs Javed Choudhary, Mian Mehar Ali, Javaid Mirchal and Zaffar Ali Khatana rushed towards the well of the House but were prevented by Marshals from entering into it.
NC’s Nazir Gurezi questioned, “Is it a police state? Can police shoot and arrest anyone? Is there no law for the police?”
Amid continued protests in the House, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured the protesting lawmakers that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would address the issue.
“Chief Minister is in the House. He is listening to your concerns. He will address the issue,” he said.
A video allegedly showing a policeman kicking a female protester in Kulgam has gone viral on social media .The protesters were demanding a judicial probe into mysterious deaths of two tribal youth, who along with a relative, went missing from their home last month.
Meanwhile, JKPC President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone has 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 in a statement, adding, “The whole action reeks of contempt within the minds of those who are supposed to protect the masses.”
Lone suggested that such incidents are not isolated, emphasizing, “And this is not a rare occurrence. It is almost a daily occurrence. It is just that it escapes filming.”
Police orders inquiry
Srinagar: Police on Monday ordered an inquiry after a video surfaced purportedly showing a police officer kicking a woman protester in Kulgam district.
“A video has surfaced on social media regarding a police officer’s conduct with the public in Kulgam. We have taken cognisance of yesterday’s incident and the allegations regarding the officer’s 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.
NC, PDP demand high-level probe into deaths of 2 brothers
Members of the PDP and the NC on Monday raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly the issue of the deaths of two brothers, who were among three people missing since last month and demanded a high-level probe.
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.
As the assembly proceedings commenced on Monday, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, led by Wahid Para, said the deaths of the two tribal men have caused panic among the people and demanded an impartial investigation to bring perpetrators to justice.
Despite Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s request to allow the Question Hour to proceed, PDP members continued to raise the issue from their seats.
Members of the ruling National Conference also joined in and called for a high-level inquiry into the deaths.
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.
The Speaker intervened and acknowledged the reports of misconduct involving a woman. He also reassured that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present in the House, would address the issue and ensure appropriate action.
“The chief minister is sitting here. He has heard your issue. He will look into it. He will ensure action”, the Speaker said.
Speaking to reporters outside the assembly, Para 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.”
A group of protesters had blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Kulgam district on Sunday night, demanding that the police initiate an investigation into the case and take action against those whom the kin of the deceased suspect to be responsible for the deaths.
On February 13, three Gujjar youths from Devsar had gone missing after leaving Ashmuji in Kulgam to attend a function. They were identified as Riyaz Ahmad, Showkat, and Mukhtar Ahmad Awan, all residents of Kulgam.
