J&K parties, cutting across the political spectrum, on Thursday (February 6, 2025) condemned civilian killings, one in an Army firing in Kashmir’s Baramulla, and another in the wake of alleged torture in police custody in Jammu’s Kathua. 

“While the nation, including the Opposition parties in Parliament are concerned, which we all should be, about the handcuffing and deportation of Indian citizens from America, two citizens (civilians) in Jammu and Kashmir were killed by security forces during the last 24 hours, soon after the meeting for the security review of Kashmir was conducted by the Home Minister of India in Delhi yesterday (Wednesday),” National Conference (NC) MP Syed Aga Ruhullah said.

The NC MP said he had asked for time in the Parliament on Thursday to raise the issue “but I was not given the time for it”. “I hope the nation, specifically INDIA (Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance) headed by the Congress, will be equally concerned about this murder of two innocent citizens in J&K, ask for the immediate arrest of the security personnel involved in these killings, and demand justice,” Mr. Ruhulla said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, while condemning the deaths in Baramulla and Kathua, targeted the elected government of Omar Abdullah. “This government was given a mandate by people to bring relief and end the police and bureaucrats’ rule prevalent after 2019 in J&K. However, nothing has changed for people of J&K,” Ms. Mufti said.

She said people did not elect the NC “to make excuses all the time”. “If Home isn’t under the NC, what stops them from questioning the L-G or Home Ministry? They’re more interested in flattering them. Like BJP blames Nehru all the time, NC blames Statehood not being with them,” Ms. Mufti said.

Ms. Mufti said people across J&K gave the NC a massive mandate “so that you would ensure some sense of security and accountability to the people after whatever happened here since 2019”. “But despite having 50 MLAs, there is no difference,” she said.

Another NC MP Mian Altaf demanded “a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and justice for the victims”. “There should be a speedy investigation and those guilty should be punished,” Mr. Altaf said. 

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader and MLA M.Y. Tarigami also condemned the killings. “The unfortunate incident (in Baramulla) could have been easily prevented with a more cautious approach, instead of a trigger-happy response. Both incidents must be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability, and bringing the culprits to justice,” Mr. Tarigami said.

J&K Peoples Conference chief and MLA Sajad Lone said the killing of the truck driver in Baramulla’s Sopore “is a murder”. “And it being executed by security forces makes it even more heinous. This is a symptom. Malaise lies deeper and is uglier. And the malaise is contempt and disregard for Kashmiri lives, plain and simple,” Mr. Lone said.

J&K Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari also sought a “fair Investigation” in the Baramulla incident. 

District Development Council chairperson, Baramulla, Safina Baig, said such incidents were “intolerable and swift action was needed against those responsible”. “Incidents like these create fear and distrust among the people, making justice and accountability essential. I urge the government to conduct a transparent and time-bound investigation to ensure that those involved are held accountable,” Ms. Baig said.