Kishtwar, Nov 21 – The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps has ordered an investigation into allegations of “ill treatment” of four civilians by its personnel during an anti-militancy operation in Chenab Valley’s Kishtwar district, an Army spokesperson said on Thursday.
The allegations arose after four men from the remote Kwath village reported being detained, beaten, and injured at an Army camp on November 20. The incident occurred during a military operation conducted by the Rashtriya Rifles following intelligence reports about terrorist movements in the area.
“Based on specific intelligence of the move of a group of terrorists in the Kishtwar sector, an operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles on November 20, 2024. There are reports of alleged ill treatment of civilians during the conduct of the operation. An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts,” the Army spokesperson said in a statement, adding that follow-up action would be taken based on the findings.
The four men, identified as Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Mehraj-ud-Din, were summoned to the Chask camp in Mughal Maidan tehsil for questioning regarding recent militant activities in the region, according to reports.
“They went to the camp after receiving phone calls from the Army, informing their families that they would return soon,” The Wire quoted a local resident said on condition of anonymity. However, the men did not return as expected, prompting their families to check at the camp. By the time the families arrived, the men had been released, reportedly with significant injuries.
The Wire reported that the photographs obtained by The Wire show the men with visible injuries, including bruises and lacerations. Two victims displayed severe bruising on their legs and buttocks, consistent with flogging, while another had a laceration on his temple. A fourth man’s left eye was swollen shut, reportedly from a heavy blow.
“They were so badly injured that some of them had to be carried on shoulders. The families decided to shift them to Kishtwar district hospital for treatment,” a local source said.
Army Assures Treatment
Muhammad Hussain, a former village panch from Kwath, alleged that the civilians had been “brutally tortured.” Speaking to ETV Bharat, he said, “They were released only after their condition deteriorated. On the way to the hospital, Army officers at Bhanderkote camp assured locals that all treatment expenses would be borne by the Army.”
The injured civilians are currently receiving treatment under the Army’s supervision.
Security Context
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region, which have seen a surge in militant activity. Dozens of security personnel and civilians have been killed in recent attacks, prompting intensified searches and intelligence-driven operations.
Less than a year ago, the Army faced similar allegations in Jammu’s Poonch district, where three civilians reportedly died during custodial interrogation. This latest controversy follows a recent visit by Northern Command’s Lt. Gen. M.V. Suchindra Kumar to Kishtwar to review the security situation.
The Army’s investigation will seek to determine the veracity of the allegations and the circumstances of the operation.
(Inputs from various reports)
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
