Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have initiated an inquiry against a police officer following the emergence of a disturbing video that shows him kicking a woman protestor during demonstrations in Kulgam. The protests erupted after the recovery of the body of a civilian who had been missing for several days, igniting demands for a thorough investigation into his death.
The protests intensified in the Qazigund area of Kulgam yesterday as people rallied for justice over the mysterious disappearance of three local youths. Tensions escalated further when a second body among the three missing persons was discovered on Sunday. Eyewitnesses report that during a demonstration aimed at blocking the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) Mansoor Ayaz was filmed using excessive force against a tribal woman participating in the protest.
The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage among the families of the missing youths and others. Protestors are calling for accountability and justice in light of the police officer’s actions, which they describe as an unnecessary escalation of force against peaceful demonstrators.
Investigation Underway
In response to the public outcry, the Jammu and Kashmir Police announced that they would investigate the incident. The Kashmir range of JK Police stated on X (formerly Twitter), “A video has surfaced on social media regarding a police officer’s conduct with the public in Kulgam. We have taken cognizance of yesterday’s incident and the allegations regarding the officer’s conduct. DIG SKR will inquire and submit his findings within 10 days.”
The context of these protests is rooted in the tragic circumstances surrounding the missing youths. On Sunday, authorities recovered the body of Mohammad Showkat, a resident of Rajouri who had been missing along with his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad and another youth, Mukhtar Ahmad. The trio, who were working as laborers in Qazigund, had disappeared while en route to a family function in Ashmuji on February 13.
The locals have been searching for answers since their disappearance, having lodged missing reports with local police. The discovery of the bodies of the two brothers has intensified demands for a probe by the administration and police.
Meanwhile, the doctors who conducted the initial inquiry stated that “after examining the bodies of the deceased, it looks like a case of drowning.” They said they are conducting further investigations.
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