Jammu, Apr 4 — Legislators from the ruling National Conference (NC) and Congress on Friday demanded a judicial inquiry into the Ganderbal encounter, alleging that an innocent civilian was killed in a staged operation and urging authorities to clearly distinguish between militants and civilians.
Raising the issue ahead of Question Hour in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, NC members stood up in protest, saying such incidents must not recur in a sensitive region like Kashmir.
“It shouldn’t happen. We admit that the LG has ordered an inquiry, but the Home Department and the Home Minister should send out a message that no innocent should be killed in this sensitive state. There must be a distinction between militants and civilians,” said NC MLA Mubarak Gul.
Speaker of the House informed members that an inquiry had already been ordered into the incident.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed a magisterial probe into the Ganderbal encounter.
Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone staged a protest outside the House earlier and later waved a placard inside, seeking justice for the deceased. NC MLA Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi said the body had not been handed over to the family, asserting that “the right to a decent burial is a constitutionally accepted right.”
Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat termed the magisterial probe inadequate and called for a judicial inquiry. “There should be swift justice. Justice demands speedy disposal of the matter,” he said.
NC MLA Mir Saifullah urged restraint on security forces to prevent such incidents in future, reiterating the demand for a higher-level probe.
BJP MLA R. S. Pathania objected to the discussion, arguing that the matter fell outside the Assembly’s jurisdiction. “My eight starred questions have been disallowed on the grounds that they fall under matters pertaining to the LG or the Government of India. How is discussion taking place on a matter which is not in the jurisdiction of the House?” he said.