Swiftly establish facts on civilian’s killing in Bhaderwah, ensure accountability: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Jul 17: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the Jammu and Kashmir administration must act swiftly to establish facts around the killing of a civilian in Bhaderwah and ensure accountability.

A youth, identified as Arif Hussain, was killed in police firing at Bhaderwah in Doda district on Thursday night after he allegedly tried to snatch a policeman’s service rifle, according to officials.

“The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and ensure accountability,” Mufti said on X.

“Reports emerging from Doda about the killing of a civilian, Arif Hussain, who was allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces, followed by an internet shutdown across the district, are deeply disturbing,” the former chief minister said.

She said Jammu and Kashmir must not be allowed to “slide towards a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and the killing of Muslims”.

A religious preacher has been detained in connection with the incident, in which three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured, according to officials. (PTI)