Farooq Abdullah Expresses Concern Over Civilian Deaths, Calls for Justice and Systemic Accountability in Poonch Incident
Jammu, 29-12-2023 : On Friday, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah voiced his deep concern over the tragic death of three civilians, placing responsibility on the Army and expressing the hope that justice would be delivered, as assured by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Abdullah emphasized the potential repercussions of such incidents on public trust in the system, highlighting the critical role of public support in overcoming challenges.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah lamented the unfortunate situation where civilians are allegedly killed by the army. Referring to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s commitment to a thorough investigation and accountability, Abdullah expressed optimism that corrective actions would be taken, preventing the recurrence of such incidents.
The incident in question involved three civilians found dead and five injured after being picked up by the Army for questioning in connection with a terrorist ambush that claimed the lives of four soldiers in Poonch district earlier in the month. Abdullah, after meeting with the injured civilians, characterized them as victims of terrorism and raised questions about the circumstances of cross-border infiltration by terrorists.
Expressing his concerns about the consequences of mistreatment by troops, Abdullah warned that such incidents erode public faith in the system, posing a dangerous trend for the country. He stressed that no country can thrive without civilian involvement and cited the importance of public support in winning wars, quoting a lieutenant general.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by well-trained terrorists targeting officers in the police and army, Abdullah underscored the need for a sympathetic approach toward the people. He noted the increasing threat from highly trained terrorists and urged a focus on addressing this menace.
Advocating for dialogue with Pakistan as the sole path to resolution, Abdullah expressed hope for renewed discussions after elections in both countries. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced compensation and job assistance for the families of the deceased civilians.
In response to the incident, the Army has initiated a comprehensive internal investigation, pledging full support and cooperation in the inquiry, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and transparency in addressing the matter.
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