Rajnath Singh In Kashmir Amid Tensions Over Civilians Deaths

December 27, 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is visiting Indian-administered Kashmir where the deaths of three civilians allegedly in army custody have sparked fresh tensions.

The men were detained for questioning last week, after four soldiers were killed in a suspected militant attack.

Police launched an inquiry into the men’s deaths after locals accused army personnel of torturing them.

The army hasn’t commented but says it’s cooperating with the investigation.

Reports say it has also ordered its own investigation to look into the circumstances which led to the deaths.

Mr Singh, who is visiting Kashmir to review security measures in the region, on Wednesday said he was praying for the recovery of other soldiers who were injured in the attack.

“Each of our army personnel is important to us,” he said, adding that authorities were taking the “required steps” to look into the incident.

He is also expected to later meet the families of the three civilians killed in Poonch district.

The deaths have sparked anger in the valley as locals and political parties demand a fair investigation.

On Sunday, Indian authorities suspended mobile internet services in Pooch and its neighbouring district as protests intensified in some parts.

Security forces have long been accused of excesses, including beatings and torture, towards locals in Kashmir, which is one of the world’s most militarised zones.

India and Pakistan both claim Kashmir in full, but control only parts of it. The Indian army has been fighting a separatist insurgency for over three decades, which has claimed thousands of lives. India blames Pakistan for fomenting violence in the region – a charge its neighbour denies.

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Written by: Safiya Wada