Family Demands Justice After Mysterious Death of Youth in IIOJK

The tragic death of Umar Yaseen under mysterious circumstances in Ramban district in IIOJK has sparked outrage, with his family demanding a transparent investigation into the cause of his death.

The family of Umar Yaseen, a youth whose body was found under suspicious circumstances last month in Ramban district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has staged a protest demanding a thorough investigation into his death. The protest took place at Nowgam, Srinagar, where the family and supporters gathered with placards, urging authorities to take action and uncover the truth behind his death.

Umar Yaseen, who was reported missing on December 22, 2024, was found dead on December 30, 2024, in a deep gorge at Digdool, alongside his vehicle. His family members are calling for a fair and transparent investigation, firmly believing that his death was not due to natural causes. The father of the deceased expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the need for a thorough probe. “We strongly believe that our son did not die a natural death. We urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly and bring the truth to light,” he stated in an interview with local media.

A family member raised a critical question during the protest, pointing out the strange delay in finding Umar’s body. Despite the fact that the Srinagar-Jammu Highway is a heavily trafficked route, Umar’s body was not discovered during the first seven days of his disappearance. The family suspects that Umar may have been held hostage during this period and killed only after media attention made it too risky for the perpetrators to release him alive.

Although the exact cause of Umar’s death remains unclear, his family is convinced that foul play is involved. Such mysterious deaths are unfortunately not uncommon in IIOJK, where there is a widespread belief that Indian troops and agencies may be responsible for instilling fear and suppressing dissent within the Kashmiri population. The family’s protest reflects the growing concerns over such incidents and the demand for justice for victims of alleged extrajudicial killings.

The tragic death of Umar Yaseen has drawn attention to the ongoing issues in IIOJK, where families continue to seek justice for loved ones who die under mysterious and suspicious circumstances. As the family continues to demand a transparent investigation, the case serves as a reminder of the larger human rights concerns in the region.