The Jammu and Kashmir Congress has demanded a formal investigation into the deaths of two special police officers (SPOs) who were killed earlier this week in Kishtwar. Party president Tariq Hamid Karra told reporters on Sunday that there are conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of the incident, prompting the call for a thorough probe.
Karra stated that the party’s district president in Kishtwar had reported that the two officers, identified as Babi Chand and Rashpal Singh, were out hunting while in civilian clothes and carrying guns. According to Karra, one version of events suggests that Army personnel mistook the pair for terrorists and opened fire on them. He noted that an alternative version, which remains in circulation, alleges that they were killed by terrorists.
The statements drew an immediate rebuttal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur accused the Congress of making unverified allegations that cast aspersions on the professionalism of the security forces. Thakur characterized the comments as a deliberate attempt to undermine the morale of the military and demanded action against Karra.
The political exchange also touched upon local communal tensions. Karra accused the BJP of attempting to communalize the incident, citing claims made by BJP MLA Shagun Parihar regarding alleged announcements from local mosques. Karra asserted that the local Congress district president, who is Hindu, has denied that any such event occurred.
Key facts
- The two deceased officers have been identified as Babi Chand and Rashpal Singh.
- The incident occurred in the Dachhan area of Kishtwar district.
- Tariq Hamid Karra requested a probe into whether the officers were killed by friendly fire or terrorists.
- The Indian Army has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
- BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur demanded action against Karra for his remarks.
Why it matters
The incident has heightened political friction in Jammu and Kashmir, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress trading accusations over the handling of the sensitive security situation in Kishtwar. The controversy reflects deeper concerns regarding security protocols and the potential for communal narratives to escalate following reports of violence.
Source: Times of India
Comments