Poonch/Jammu: Police on Saturday thwarted the attempt of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to meet the families of three civilians who were found dead a day after being questioned by the Army following a terror attack in Poonch last week. The PDP leader held a protest after being stopped by police, demanding that she be allowed to visit the victims’ families.
Last week, a terror attack in Poonch’s Surankote area resulted in the killing of four soldiers and injuring three others. In the aftermath, the Army picked up three civilians – Safeer Hussain, Mohammad Showket, and Shabir Ahmad – for questioning. Shockingly, they were found dead the next day.
Accompanied by fellow party members, Mehbooba Mufti was halted by police at Dera Ki Gali near Buffliaz, preventing her from proceeding to Topa Peer village to meet the bereaved families. Expressing her dissatisfaction, Mufti questioned the decision of the administration, citing the recent meeting of BJP president Ravinder Raina with the victims’ families, which was allowed without restrictions.
While the Jammu and Kashmir administration had already announced compensation and jobs for the families of the deceased civilians, they also stated that legal action had been initiated after conducting medico-legal formalities. In order to ensure a fair investigation into the deaths, the Army has initiated an internal probe, emphasizing its commitment to providing full support and cooperation.
During her visit to the Sub-District Hospital Surankote, Mufti personally inquired about the health condition of the injured civilians. She obtained firsthand information from the hospital authorities and offered prayers for their speedy recovery.
As tensions rise in Poonch and protests ensue, residents await justice and answers regarding the deaths of the three civilians. The incident has once again highlighted the complex situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the need for a comprehensive examination of allegations of human rights violations.
