J&K: Protests erupt over youth’s killing in Bhaderwah; family demands judicial probe

Jammu, July 17 (AHN) Protests broke out on Friday in J&K’s Bhaderwah town over the killing of a youth, as protesters and family members demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

The official version is that the youth, identified as Arif Hussain, was killed when he allegedly tried to snatch the rifle of security personnel, while three Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel were injured in the incident.

Protesters demanded an impartial judicial probe into Arif’s killing and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Hundreds of people staged a massive protest in Bhaderwah town of Doda district over the killing of the local youth, demanding an impartial investigation and strict action against those responsible.

The demonstrators held a procession through the town's main streets, raising slogans and calling for justice for the deceased. Protesters sought a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the killing and exemplary punishment for those found guilty.

“We want justice” and “Punish the killers” were among the slogans raised by the protesters as the procession passed through various parts of Bhaderwah.

Locals claimed he was an innocent auto driver, while police officials alleged he was stopped at a checkpost to prevent suspected cattle smuggling.

Identifying the deceased as Arif Hussain, 30, from Cheeka village in Bhaderwah sub-division, locals alleged that he was shot by a party of J&K Police’s SOG following an altercation at Jai, a popular tourist place near Bhaderwah, on Thursday night.

Authorities deployed a large number of security personnel across the town to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the protest. Internet services were also suspended as a precautionary measure.

Family members and residents strongly disputed the official claim, alleging that he was killed in cold blood and demanding an independent investigation to establish the facts.

The incident has sparked widespread anger in the area, with political parties and civil society members also seeking a transparent inquiry into the circumstances that led to the youth’s death.