Ganderbal: A day after the Army claimed it gunned down a militant in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, the deceased's family insists he was an innocent civilian with no terror ties, urging a full investigation.
Identified as Rashid Ahmad Mughal from Chountwaliwar, the man left home Tuesday morning and never returned. His brother, Ajaz Ahmad, told The Tribune police later asked the family to identify a body—his—clad in unfamiliar clothes.
Family demand justice and a thorough probe, planning to file a police case. The Army described the Arhama encounter as a joint operation with J&K Police based on intelligence: troops spotted suspicious movement, faced fire, and retaliated, killing one militant. No identity or group affiliation was released.
Defence PRO Lt Col Manoj Sahu declined immediate comment, saying police background checks would clarify details.
Political voices amplified the outcry. NC leader Omar Abdullah called for a "transparent, time-bound probe" to avoid eroding credibility. Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi labeled it a " gravely serious allegation," slamming police silence and demanding an independent inquiry.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti questioned the narrative, noting Rashid ran an NGO for the poor. She alleged the body was buried in Baramulla without family handover, insisting on accountability and a detailed probe into the overnight operation.