AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Jammu, In a significant development, the Indian Army has acknowledged that three civilians from Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir died due to torture while in military custody last December, following an incident that left four Indian troops dead.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian Army’s acknowledgment came after a “so-called investigation” prompted by widespread demand for accountability. The investigation was initiated amid vigorous public and political uproar over the custodial deaths of Safeer Hussain (43), Mohammad Showket (27), and Shabir Ahmad (32), from Topa Peer village, who were detained for questioning after a militant attack in the Bufliaz area of Surankote.
Indian media, citing army investigation reports, revealed that the internal probe highlighted “serious lapses and operational gaps” in the conduct of several army personnel, including officers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). The reports suggest recommendations for disciplinary action against those found responsible for the misconduct during the interrogation sessions.
In response to the army’s investigation findings, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed skepticism, referencing past instances where no substantial actions were taken despite proven misconduct in similar inquiries. Through a statement on social media, Mufti emphasized the consistent lack of accountability in previous cases of extrajudicial actions and expressed hope for justice for the families of the deceased men from Buffliaz.
The case now draws attention not only for the army’s rare admission but also for the potential precedents it could set for accountability in allegations of human rights abuses by military personnel in the region.