SRINAGAR: In a convergence of events, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Poonch coincided with the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) issuing a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration regarding the alleged torture and death of three civilians. Singh had an interaction with the families of the slain civilians and also with the soldiers.
The civilian deaths were reported a day after a militant ambush on December 21, resulting in the death of four soldiers.
Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Rajouri, addressed security forces, emphasising the need to not only defend the nation but also win the hearts of the people. Singh acknowledged the challenges faced by security forces and urged them to avoid mistakes that may hurt civilians. Singh expressed grief over the soldiers’ deaths, visited the victims’ families, and assured justice.
“I agree that the responsibility of defending the country is on all of you,” Singh said while addressing troops at the Army’s Rajouri-based 25 Div headquarters. “I want to make a very special request from all of you – while fulfilling the responsibility of defending the nation, you also have a bigger responsibility of winning the hearts of your countrymen on your shoulders.” He added: “I admit that you have been playing such a role, but there is a need to perform it more seriously.”
Interaction with troops in Rajouri. https://t.co/26ogZUsizE
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 27, 2023
Accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and top Army officers, Rajnath Singh met with the families of the deceased civilians and those allegedly mistreated by the Army. Assuring justice, Singh pledged accountability for those responsible for the tragic incident.
The Defence Minister’s visit aimed to assess the security landscape and ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Singh expressed anguish over the unfortunate incidents and called for operations based on hard intelligence and zero tolerance for violations of established procedures.
Accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Singh undertook a thorough assessment of the area’s security landscape and the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
“Please have faith in us. Nobody can bring back to life of those who have died. But there will be justice,” Singh told members of three families of the deceased.
His visit coincided with the NCM notice. The NCM, acting on a complaint by Delhi-based Aam Aadmi Party activist Saddam Mujeeb, issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir administration regarding the deaths of Mohammad Showkat, Safeer Hussain, and Shabir Ahmad. The three men were among eight picked up by the Army for questioning following a militant ambush that claimed four Army jawans.
A viral video allegedly shows soldiers mistreating the victims, leading to their deaths. The NCM has sought a detailed report on the incident by January 15, 2024, and called for a prompt and impartial investigation.
