Srinagar, March 18 – A video allegedly showing a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) kicking and abusing protesters, including women, in Kulgam has triggered widespread outrage in Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters, demanding justice for two missing youths who were found dead under mysterious circumstances, faced police aggression during their demonstration on Sunday.
The video, which went viral online, has drawn sharp criticism from political parties, activists, and civil society groups. Lawmakers from the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress staged protests inside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday. Several NC legislators, including Javed Choudhary, Mian Mehar Ali, Javaid Mirchal, and Zaffar Ali Khatana, attempted to storm the well of the House but were stopped by marshals.
“Is J&K a police state? Can the police shoot or arrest anyone at will? Is there no law governing them?” questioned NC legislator Nazir Gurezi.
Amid the uproar, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured the assembly that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would address the matter.
Mysterious Deaths Spark Unrest
The protests erupted following the recovery of the bodies of two brothers—Mohammad Showkat Bajad and Riyaz Ahmad Bajad—from Vaishow Nallah last week. The two, along with a third youth, Mukhtar Ahmad, had been missing since February 13 from Mah Ashmuji in Kulgam. The whereabouts of Mukhtar remain unknown, and security forces have launched a search operation.
A doctor who conducted the post-mortem suggested that the cause of death appeared to be “ante-mortem drowning,” but protesters suspect foul play.
Political Leaders Demand Justice
Gujjar leader Talib Hussain has called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths. “These youths went missing when most water bodies in Kashmir were dry. We have the right to suspect foul play and demand an independent probe. Was it really drowning, or were they placed in a trench? Even fasting women were beaten for seeking justice,” Hussain said.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti claimed she was prevented from visiting Kulgam on Monday, alleging that the authorities locked her house gates without prior notice. “What are they trying to hide?” she questioned.
She also condemned the police action, stating, “It is shocking to see a policeman kicking a woman for peacefully protesting. Such high-handedness only deepens the trust deficit in Kashmir.”
NC Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also condemned the police’s actions. “The tragic deaths have left the victims’ families in unbearable grief. Instead of showing compassion, the police resorted to brutality. These deaths must be investigated transparently, and those responsible—both for the deaths and the police excess—must be held accountable,” Mehdi said.
Police Orders Probe
In response to the controversy, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have ordered an inquiry into the incident.
“A video has surfaced regarding a police officer’s conduct in Kulgam. We have taken cognizance of the allegations, and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Srinagar, will submit his findings within 10 days,” a police spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, DIG South Kashmir Javaid Iqbal Matoo met protesters in Qazigund on Monday, acknowledging their grievances. “If anyone has acted wrongly, they will face legal action. A mother who lost her son has the right to protest. The investigation into the deaths is ongoing, and details will be shared,” he assured.
Protests Spread to Jammu
The outrage has extended beyond Kulgam, with protests erupting at Jammu University over the alleged police misconduct against tribal women. Demonstrators demanded immediate action against the officer.
“Jammu police have detained university students protesting against the incident. They should be released immediately,” said Gujjar leader Guftar Choudhary.
A group of lawyers in Jammu also staged a demonstration, calling for accountability.
As tensions rise, political leaders and activists continue to demand justice, urging the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into both the deaths and the police brutality against demonstrators.
The Chenab Times News Desk