Ganderbal encounter under scrutiny after youth killed
The recent encounter between a joint team of security forces and terrorists in the Central Kashmir district of Ganderbal has come under the scanner after allegations surfaced that it was a ‘fake’ encounter in which one local youth was killed.
According to local reports, Rashid Ahmad Mughal from the Chountwaliwar area of Ganderbal was killed in an overnight encounter in the Arahama area.
Soon after the identity of the deceased terrorist was established by the local police authorities, the family members alleged their son was killed in a ‘fake’ encounter, claiming he had no links with the terrorists.
The family also demanded an investigation. “We are approaching the police to register a case. We want a complete investigation and justice,” said Ajyaz Ahmad, brother of the deceased killed in the encounter.
The matters became worse after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also jumped in and demanded a transparent and time-bound probe in the matter on Thursday.
Former Chief Minister and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti also claimed that allegations are being raised that the recent encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, in which a local terrorist was gunned down, was “fake”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, “I believe the claim of the family should not be dismissed out of hand. At the very least this encounter needs a transparent & time bound probe with the facts made public. Any attempt to obfuscate or delay the announcement of a probe will only damage credibility & that is not in anyone’s interest”.
Speaking to reporters here, Mehbooba said, “There was an encounter in Arahama in which a 29-year-old local youth, Rashid Mughal, was killed. There are allegations that it was a fake encounter. The Army first said he was a foreign militant, then they said he was a local linked to militancy.” The PDP chief also claimed that Rashid ran an NGO. “Even his body was not handed over to the family. He was buried in Baramulla. This is what is happening with our youth,” the former J-K chief minister said.
In Ganderbal, Ajaz Ahmad, brother of the deceased Rashid Ahmad Mughal, told reporters that he had left home on Tuesday morning but didn’t return.
“He left home in the morning and didn’t return home. Yesterday, the local police were asked to identify the body and it was found out that it was my brother,” he said. Ajaz said that his brother had no link with militancy. “We are shocked to hear this. He was totally innocent and he has been killed,” he said.
Earlier, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps on Wednesday posted on X, “During the night of 31 Mar 26, the cordon was tactically reorganised amidst the intermittent firing underway. Own troops effectively retaliated with a calibrated response, resulting in one terrorist eliminated”.
“A joint search operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the general area, Arahama, of Ganderbal. During the search, vigilant troops observed suspicious activity. On being challenged, terrorists opened fire and own troops retaliated. Operation is in progress,” Chinar Corps posted on Tuesday after the encounter was started.
