Srinagar, Nov 22: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday called on the Jammu and Kashmir government to take immediate action against Army personnel involved in the alleged ill-treatment of civilians during an anti-terror operation in Kishtwar district.
Reports suggest that five civilians were reportedly beaten by soldiers during an operation in the Mughal Maidan area on November 20, leaving them injured. Following the allegations, the Army has launched an investigation into the matter.
Mufti condemned the incident, saying, “Allegations of severe torture have emerged from Kishtwar, reminiscent of the disturbing events in Bafliaz Surankote earlier this year.” She specifically mentioned that four men—Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Mehraj-ud-Din from Kuath village—were allegedly summoned to the Army camp for questioning, where they were subjected to extreme physical abuse. According to her, the victims were severely injured and unable to walk, requiring assistance to reach the hospital.
The former chief minister urged the Union Territory government to take swift and decisive action against those responsible, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent such human rights violations in the future.
In response, the Army’s White Knight Corps issued a statement on Thursday, confirming the operation was launched based on specific intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists in the Kishtwar sector on November 20. The statement acknowledged reports of alleged ill-treatment of civilians during the operation and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, with appropriate follow-up action taken based on the findings.
