Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed concern over recent deaths in Kathua and Baramulla, warning that such incidents could further alienate the local population.
He stated that he has raised these matters with the central government, urging for time-bound and transparent investigations.
In Kathua’s Billawar area, a 26-year-old man, accused of militancy links, allegedly died by suicide on Wednesday night after reported harassment by the police.
The incident has prompted both the police and administration to launch separate inquiries.
Meanwhile, in Baramulla, a truck driver was shot dead by the Army on the same day after allegedly ignoring warnings to stop at a security checkpoint in Sangrama Chowk.
Officials stated that the checkpoint had been set up following intelligence inputs about possible militant movement in the area.
“These incidents risk alienating the very people whose cooperation is essential for achieving lasting peace,” Abdullah stated in a post on X. He added that he has formally raised the matter with the Union government and has instructed the J-K administration to conduct its own inquiries.
The chief minister acknowledged reports of excessive force and alleged custodial harassment in the Kathua case, as well as the unclear circumstances surrounding the Baramulla shooting.
He termed both incidents “highly unfortunate” and stressed that such events should not happen.
“J-K will never achieve complete normalization and freedom from terror without the active trust and partnership of its people,” he remarked.