Tragedy Strikes Kashmir Family Again: Second Son Lost in Controversial Encounter

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Mughal family from Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a double tragedy that spans over two decades. In 1997, Ishfaq Ahmad Mughal was abducted by militants from his home, never to be seen again. Now, over 26 years later, the family faces another devastating loss as they claim their younger son, Rashid Ahmad Mughal, was killed by the Army in what is being labeled as a staged encounter.

On April 1, the Indian Army reported that it had neutralized a terrorist in a forest area approximately 10 kilometers from the family’s home. However, the Mughal family has vehemently denied this narrative, asserting that Rashid was not a militant but rather an innocent civilian who left for work that morning. Ajaz Ahmad Mughal, Rashid’s elder brother, expressed his disbelief, stating, “My brother left home for work in the morning. The next morning, he was dubbed a militant. How did he become a militant in a matter of a few hours?” This unsettling question underscores the family’s deep sense of injustice.

In the aftermath of Rashid’s death, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. However, a week has passed since the order was issued, and there has been no definitive update regarding the progress of the investigation. This lack of transparency has only fueled the family’s anguish and has raised concerns among local residents, who have also begun to question the Army’s version of events.

Eyewitness accounts and conversations with neighbors paint a grim picture, with reports indicating that Rashid’s body bore 19 bullet wounds. Such evidence raises further doubts about the circumstances that led to his death. Villagers who gathered at the site of the encounter express skepticism, suggesting that the Army’s claims may not align with the reality experienced by families in conflict areas.

The Mughal family’s ordeal is emblematic of the larger turmoil faced by many in the region, where violence and allegations of human rights abuses have persisted for decades. As Kashmir continues to grapple with complex socio-political issues, the Mughal family’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The need for accountability and justice is more pressing than ever, as families like the Mughals search for answers that seem frustratingly elusive.

Source: scroll.in