4 locals 'beaten up’ by Army during questioning in Kishtwar
Four locals who were suspected to have helped terrorists behind the killing of two Village Defense Guards (VDGs) and a Junior Commissioner Officer (JCO), were allegedly beaten up by a local unit of Army in Kishtwar district during questioning.
A purported video of the injured went viral on social media after which political leaders condemned the act. A local informed that Army has given compensation to the injured villagers.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar, Javaid Iqbal confirmed to The Tribune that four locals were injured in the said incident and an inquiry was on. “We are verifying the facts but it is confirmed that four locals have received minor injuries” he said.
The police are also in touch with the Army, it has been learnt.
It has been learnt that the four locals from Kuath village in Chas area were allegedly asked to report at an Army camp on Wednesday. The village is nearby the forests where two VDGs were brutally killed by the terrorists on November 7 after being abducted. A Special Forces JCO was also killed in action while three soldiers were injured in Keshwan forest when they were searching for the ultras following the killing of VDGs.
A purported video where family members of the four villagers were taking them to their homes has gone viral in J&K in which the victims can be seen having difficulty in walking. The Tribune cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video circulating online.
Interestingly, GOC-in-C of the Northern Command, Lt General MV Suchindra Kumar had recently visited Kishtwar to review the operational preparedness of the troops and operations against terrorists.
Reports suggested that the four injured have been shifted to an Army hospital where they are under treatment. A local from the village informed that after the Army assured action into the incident, "the families of the victims did not want to stretch the matter further".
Political leaders condemned the alleged torture and said that action should be taken against the culprits.
Iltija Mufti, PDP leader and daughter of Mehbooba Mufti said on X, “Reports about army officials allegedly torturing five civilians in Kishtwar is yet another distressing example of how certain laws give sweeping powers & impunity to armed forces in J&K. Hope ADGPI, Chinar Corps
initiates a serious probe into this incident and ensures punishment to the perpetrators”.
Chief of Apni Party, Altaf Bukhari, in a statement on X said, “The reports suggesting that the Army has brutally tortured five civilians in Kishtwar are deeply concerning. The matter must be thoroughly investigated, and those found responsible must be severely punished. Such incidents should not be tolerated. My deepest sympathies are with the victims”.
Last year in December, three civilians were picked up and allegedly tortured to death in Topa Pir village of Poonch. It was suspected that they had helped terrorists behind an ambush on Army vehicle in which four soldiers were killed. A court of inquiry was ordered into the incident and some senior officials were transferred from the area.
Intelligence agencies have in the past suggested that local Over Ground Workers (OGWs) might be helping highly trained Pakistani ultras due to which they were able to sustain in forest areas for months.
Reacting on the incident, Army’s White Knight Corps stated, “Based on specific intelligence of the movement of a group of terrorists in the Kishtwar sector, an operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles on November 20. There are some reports on the alleged ill treatment of civilians during the conduct of the operation. An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts. Necessary follow up action will be ensured. Further move of the group of terrorists is being monitored” it read.
