Doda MLA Mehraj Malik on Sunday alleged that the administration was protecting those responsible for the Bhaderwah firing incident instead of ensuring accountability, and demanded that the truth behind the killing of Arif Hussain be brought to light through a fair investigation.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Malik made the remarks in a post on Facebook, where he claimed that the victims were being jailed because of their religious identity while those responsible for the incident were being protected. He said justice must be impartial and based solely on facts and the rule of law, without discrimination.
In his statement, Malik further alleged that Arif Hussain was first stabbed and later shot by police. He also claimed that the administration was attempting to conceal the incident by imposing internet restrictions instead of ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice. Malik said the truth must come out and those responsible should be held accountable.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in Doda district following the death of Arif Hussain during a police operation in the Jai Valley area of Bhaderwah. The incident triggered protests by family members and local residents, who have demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing. Mobile internet services were suspended across the district as a precautionary measure after the unrest.
Police have maintained that the incident occurred after a scuffle during which Hussain allegedly attempted to snatch a service weapon from personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG). According to the police, a single round was discharged during the struggle, fatally injuring Hussain. Authorities have also stated that three police personnel were injured in the incident and that a preliminary investigation suggested the deceased was allegedly involved in bovine smuggling. The police have ruled out any terror angle and said an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, Hussain’s family has rejected the police version and has demanded an independent probe, including a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, alleging that the killing was unjustified.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
