BJP leaders meet victims of ‘custody killings’ promise ‘stern action’

BJP leaders visited the families of three civilians, who allegedly died following torture in custody on Friday.

BJP leaders visited the families of three civilians, who allegedly died following torture in custody on Friday. The three were detained by security forces immediately after the December 21 attack, in Poonch district’s Pir Panjal Valley.

The leaders promised stern action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, mobile Internet services have been restored in the region after a week. 

J&K BJP State president Ravinder Raina visited the families as well as the injured being treated at Surankote hospital in Poonch. “The entire nation and the Central as well as the J&K government stand with the victims. Those responsible will be punished sternly. No one is above the law in India. Those involved have committed a major crime. The Union Defence Minister also met the families recently and assured them,” Mr. Raina said.

Three civilians died and around eight others were badly injured after security forces rounded up villagers from hamlets in Poonch and Rajouri. Troops were responding after an ambush targeting a convoy left four soldiers dead, on December 21. 

BJP Member of Parliament (MP) Gulam Ali Khatana also visited the families in Poonch to express solidarity. Khatana is a Gujjar leader and the victim families also belong to the same nomadic tribe from the Pir Panjal valley.

Security forces depend on the Gujjars living close to the Line to Control (LoC) to augment their security apparatus and would carry out special recruitment drives to recruit from amongst the community. However, the killing of the three civilians sparked major unrest and protests in the region, especially after a 29-minute video showed the victims being beaten up. Salt and chilli powder was also thrown over them. The Army has initiated an inquiry and the J&K police lodged a First Information Report (FIR).