In Kishtwar district of Jammu, four civilians—Sajad Ahmad, Abdul Kabir, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Mehraj-ud-Din, all residents of Kuath village—were allegedly tortured by the army during an operation on November 20.
The victims were summoned to the 11 Rashtriya Rifles camp in Chas area of Mughal Maidan for questioning about a recent militant attack.
Families allege that the men, all daily wage laborers, were released in a severely injured state. Medical examination revealed bruises and injuries, reportedly caused by assault. “They could barely walk; some had to be carried,” a family member said.
As the victims were being transported to the hospital, their families claim they were stopped by the army at Bhanderkoot and taken back to the camp, where officials assured punishment for those responsible.
Demanding accountability, the families urged authorities to take strict action against those involved in the alleged torture. A senior police officer confirmed the incident is under investigation, stating, “The law will take its course.”
Meanwhile, the Army’s White Knight Corps issued a statement on Thursday via the microblogging platform X. It read:
“Based on specific intelligence of the move of a group of terrorists in the Kishtwar Sector, an operation was launched by Rashtriya Rifles on 20 November 2024.
There are some reports on the alleged ill-treatment of civilians during the conduct of the operation. An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts. Necessary follow-up action will be ensured.
Further movement of the group of terrorists is being monitored,” the statement concluded.