Agha Ruhullah Raises Concerns Over Escalating Violence in IIOJK

Among the incidents he strongly condemned was the killing of Waseem Ahmed Mir, a truck driver who was shot dead by Indian troops at a checkpoint in Sangrama Chowk, Baramulla, on Wednesday.

New Delhi: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Indian parliamentarian Ruhullah Mehdi has voiced grave concerns over the worsening situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He particularly condemned the recent killings in the Baramulla and Kathua districts, attributing the deteriorating conditions to a recent security review meeting held in New Delhi.

Ruhullah Mehdi, speaking to the media in New Delhi, criticized the exclusion of NC-led IIOJK government representatives from the meeting chaired by the Indian Home Minister. He claimed that the security situation in the region deteriorated significantly following the discussions. Mehdi pointed out that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of IIOJK and senior Indian security officials were summoned to the meeting. Still, instead of improvements, there was an alarming escalation of violence in the aftermath.

Among the incidents he strongly condemned was the killing of Waseem Ahmed Mir, a truck driver who was shot dead by Indian troops at a checkpoint in Sangrama Chowk, Baramulla, on Wednesday. In another distressing case, 25-year-old Makhan Din was allegedly tortured to death in custody after being arrested by Indian forces in Kathua district the following day.

Expressing skepticism over the Indian army’s version of events surrounding Waseem Ahmed Mir’s death, Ruhullah Mehdi demanded the release of CCTV footage from the area. He pointed out that the region is heavily monitored with bunkers and surveillance cameras, making it essential to verify the circumstances of the incident. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in such operations.

Further highlighting the escalating repression, Mehdi revealed that over 500 youths have been arrested across the occupied territory in recent days. He alleged that these individuals were subjected to physical abuse, had their phones confiscated, and were taken to undisclosed locations. He described these actions as collective punishment against the people of IIOJK, warning that such oppressive measures could lead to further unrest and alienation among the population.

The growing concerns Mehdi expressed underscore the region’s fragile and volatile security situation. Human rights groups and political observers continue to call for an independent investigation into the recent incidents and urge authorities to ensure the protection of civilians in the conflict-ridden territory.