SRINAGAR : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday demanded a swift and transparent investigation into the killing of a civilian in Doda district, saying the administration must establish the facts and ensure accountability.
The demand came after 30-year-old Arif Hussain was killed during an operation by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in the Bhaderwah area of Doda. According to police, Hussain was intercepted after security personnel noticed suspicious movement. Officials said he allegedly attacked policemen and attempted to snatch a service rifle during a scuffle, prompting the firing in which he sustained injuries. He later succumbed at a hospital. Three SOG personnel were also injured in the incident, while police said a religious preacher has been detained for questioning as part of the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, Mufti, in a post on X, described reports surrounding Hussain’s death as “deeply disturbing”. She alleged that Hussain was first stabbed and then shot dead by security forces and also referred to the suspension of internet services across Doda district following the incident. She urged the administration to establish the facts and fix responsibility.
The former chief minister also warned against what she termed a growing tendency to use allegations of cow smuggling as a pretext for violence.
“J&K must not be allowed to slide towards a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and the killing of Muslims,” Mufti said.
The incident has triggered political reactions and heightened tensions in the Bhaderwah area, where additional security forces have been deployed and mobile internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure, according to officials.
