Candlelight Protest in Jammu Demands Justice for Custodial Killing of Makhan Din

In a powerful display of unity and demand for justice, members of Jammu’s civil society staged a candlelight protest and sit-in, calling for a transparent investigation into the custodial death of 26-year-old Gujjar youth, Makhan Din.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a peaceful candlelight protest and sit-in were held by members of the local civil society in Bathindi, Jammu, to demand justice for the custodial killing of Makhan Din, a 26-year-old Gujjar youth. The protestors gathered to voice their deep concerns over the lack of a fair and impartial investigation into the tragic incident, which has sparked widespread outrage across the region.

Makhan Din’s death under custody has ignited a storm of anger among the people of IIOJK. The protestors expressed their disappointment that, despite the public outcry, no judicial inquiry had been initiated into the circumstances surrounding his death. The protesters lamented the absence of accountability, highlighting the failure of authorities to take swift and appropriate action.

The demonstrators carried candles as a symbol of their commitment to truth and justice, and their peaceful sit-in echoed their determination to see those responsible for the death of Makhan Din held accountable. Members of various political parties and civil society groups participated in the protest, underscoring the unity of the region’s people in demanding justice.

The protest was led by Advocate Sheikh Shakeel, senior Congress leader Taranjit Singh Tony, and other influential members of political parties and civil society organizations. Sheikh Shakeel and Tony were vocal in their criticism of the lack of action by authorities and reiterated the importance of an independent and transparent investigation into the custodial death. They warned the authorities that if no concrete steps were taken to ensure justice, the protests would intensify in the coming days.

The protestors’ primary demand was clear: a fair and thorough judicial inquiry into the custodial killing of Makhan Din. They emphasized the need for an impartial investigation that would shed light on the truth and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The protestors expressed their fear that without proper investigation, incidents like this could continue to occur with impunity.

The call for justice was not just for Makhan Din but also for all victims of similar injustices in the region, where many have historically been denied basic rights and accountability. Protestors asserted that the continued lack of transparency and justice would further erode the trust of the local population in the authorities.

The civil society members made it clear that they would not relent in their pursuit of justice. They warned that if the authorities failed to act and provide an impartial investigation, the protests would intensify, and more people would join the movement. The message was loud and clear: justice for Makhan Din is non-negotiable, and the people of IIOJK will continue to fight for it.

The candlelight protest in Bathindi serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The protestors’ demands for a fair investigation into the custodial killing of Makhan Din reflect the growing frustration over the lack of accountability and the desire for transparency. As the protests continue to gain momentum, the eyes of the international community will be on the authorities to ensure that justice is served for Makhan Din and all victims of similar injustices in the region.