Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC) on Monday raised concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the deaths of two brothers, who were among three people reported missing since last month. They demanded a high-level investigation into the matter, citing rising panic among the local population.
The missing individuals, identified as Showkat Ahmad Bajad, his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad, disappeared on February 13 while traveling to attend a function at a relative’s house in Ashmuji. The three men, who worked as laborers, never reached their destination.
The body of Showkat Ahmad Bajad was discovered in the Vaishov nullah in Kulgam district on Sunday, while his brother’s body had been recovered from the same location a few days prior. As the assembly proceedings commenced, PDP members, led by Wahid Para, voiced concerns over the deaths, highlighting the fear spreading within the tribal community.
They insisted on an impartial investigation to ensure justice for the victims. Despite Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s attempts to proceed with the Question Hour, PDP members continued to press the issue from their seats. Members of the ruling National Conference joined the demand for a thorough inquiry, with NC legislator Peerzada Feroze Ahmed pointing to an alarming rise in cases of missing persons, which he said had intensified public anxiety.
The legislators also cited similar disappearances in Kathua, raising broader concerns about public safety. Tensions escalated as some NC members entered the Well of the House, demanding an investigation not only into the deaths but also into allegations of police misconduct involving a local woman.
This led to a disruption in assembly proceedings. Speaker Rather acknowledged the allegations and assured the House that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present, would take note of the issue and ensure the necessary action was taken. "The chief minister is here and has heard your concerns.
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He will look into the matter and ensure appropriate action," Rather stated. Speaking to the media outside the assembly, PDP leader Wahid Para reiterated the urgency of an impartial probe, emphasising that the community was feeling increasingly vulnerable. "We are not leveling accusations against anyone, but incidents like these contribute to a growing sense of insecurity. A fair investigation is crucial," he said.
Meanwhile, the incident sparked public outrage, leading to a protest on Sunday night where demonstrators blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Kulgam. The protesters demanded a police inquiry into the deaths and action against those whom the victims’ families suspected to be responsible.
The three missing individuals, all Gujjar youths from Devsar in Kulgam, were identified as Riyaz Ahmad, Showkat Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad Awan. Their unexplained disappearance and subsequent deaths have fueled demands for transparency and accountability from authorities.
Also Read: Kulgam missing trio: Second body found, one still missing
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