NC, PDP Demand High-Level Probe into Deaths of Two Brothers in Kulgam, House Witnesses Uproar
Jammu, Mar 17: The deaths of two brothers, who were among three individuals reported missing since February 13, triggered a political storm in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday. Members of the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanded a high-level probe, alleging a pattern of disappearances that has created widespread fear among the people, especially within the tribal community.
The missing individuals—Showkat Ahmad Bajad, his brother Riyaz Ahmad Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmad—were laborers traveling to a relative’s house in Ashmuji, Kulgam. However, they never reached their destination. Days later, the bodies of the Bajad brothers were recovered from the Vaishov Nullah in Kulgam, with Showkat’s body retrieved on Sunday, while his brother’s was found at the same location earlier.
As the Assembly proceedings commenced, PDP legislators, led by Wahid Para, vociferously raised the issue, stating that the deaths had instilled panic among the people and demanded an independent and impartial investigation. Despite Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s appeal to maintain order and proceed with the Question Hour, the PDP members persisted, refusing to relent until assurances were given.
NC legislators soon joined in, with party member Peerzada Feroze Ahmed highlighting the alarming trend of people mysteriously going missing. He linked the Kulgam incident to similar cases reported from Kathua, urging the government to acknowledge the rising insecurity. As tensions escalated, some NC lawmakers stormed the Well of the House, demanding an inquiry into the deaths as well as an investigation into alleged police misconduct involving the mistreatment of a woman protester.
Speaker Rather intervened, acknowledging the reports of police misbehavior and assuring the agitated members that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present in the House, would address their concerns and take appropriate action.
“The Chief Minister is here, he has heard your concerns, and he will ensure action is taken,” the Speaker assured the protesting lawmakers.
Outside the Assembly, PDP leader Wahid Para spoke to reporters, reiterating that the deaths had raised fears among the public. “We are not accusing anyone, but the way these incidents are happening has created a sense of insecurity, especially among the Gujjar community. There is an urgent need for an impartial probe,” he said.
Public outrage over the case intensified on Sunday night as a group of protesters blocked the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Kulgam, demanding swift police action. The families of the deceased have alleged foul play, urging authorities to arrest those they suspect of being involved.
