Jammu, April 4: Legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Saturday demanded a judicial inquiry into the killing of a man in Ganderbal forests, after the Army claimed he was a militant while the family identified him as a civilian.
The incident, involving the killing of Rahid Mughal in a forest area of Ganderbal, has triggered political and public concern, with questions raised over the circumstances of the operation and the identification of the deceased.
The issue has gained prominence as the Lieutenant Governor has already ordered a magisterial inquiry, while Chief Minister and several legislators had called for a probe, prompting demands in the Assembly for a judicial investigation instead.
Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said a magisterial inquiry would not be sufficient in such a serious matter.
“There is a need for judicial inquiry, not a magisterial inquiry, because an officer of DC level remains under pressure. This is a serious issue and indicates how lives are being treated,” he said.
National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul said such incidents should not take place and stressed the need to protect innocent civilians.
“There should be a difference between a militant and an innocent. Our Home Minister should send a message,” he said.
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi said the body of the deceased had not been handed over to the family.
“Under the Constitution, it is the right of the family to perform the last rites. If a probe has been ordered, the body should be returned,” he said.
Another NC legislator, Saifullah Mir, termed the incident a grave injustice and also demanded a judicial inquiry, calling for safeguards in such operations.
The Assembly witnessed strong reactions from members cutting across parties, with repeated calls for accountability and clarity over the incident. [KNT]
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