NCM issues notice on killing of Gujjar youth during Police firing in Jammu

August 5, 2025 by News Desk

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of Jammu Kashmir, directing an inquiry into the killing of Mohammad Parvez, a 21-year-old Muslim youth from the Gujjar community in Nikki Tawi, Jammu.

The Commission has asked the administration to submit a detailed report within 21 days, following a complaint filed by human rights defender Mohd Saddam Mujeeb.

The complaint alleged that Parvez was a victim of a staged encounter and was falsely implicated as a drug peddler.

Parvez was shot dead on July 24, 2025, in the Surre Chak area under Satwari Police Station on the outskirts of Jammu. Police claimed he was killed in a crossfire during a chase involving suspected drug peddlers.

However, Parvez’s family has categorically denied this version of events. According to them, he had no criminal background and was merely accompanying his brother-in-law to purchase medicine for a sick relative when the incident occurred.

Human rights activist Mohd Saddam Mujeeb filed a petition with the NCM on July 26, describing the incident as a case of extrajudicial killing and highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence against tribal and Muslim youth in Jammu Kashmir.

Responding to this, the Commission on July 28 issued a notice, stating, “The matter must be investigated so that it can be placed before the Commission for further consideration.” The notice was signed by Sunil Kumar Singh, Under Secretary to the Commission.

The administration has suspended two police personnel, Head Constable Baljinder Singh and Constable Pawan Singh, and announced compensation for the family. But Parvez’s relatives say this is not enough.

“No money can bring him back. We want justice, not charity,” said his brother, rejecting the compensation as an inadequate response to what they call a cold-blooded murder.

The killing has led to widespread protests across Jammu, particularly by members of the Gujjar community.

Civil society groups, rights activists, and political leaders have all condemned the incident. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and MLA Mehraj Malik were among those who called the killing a deliberate act of violence against a member of a marginalized community.

“These actions are not isolated—they are part of a deeper, dangerous trend. Tribal Muslims are being systematically targeted in Jammu,” Mufti said.

A magisterial inquiry led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Jammu South is ongoing, and authorities have urged witnesses to come forward.

A separate Special Investigation Team has also been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding Parvez’s death.