Kashmir Mourns as Youth’s Death in Army Custody Sparks Outrage

In Kashmir, the death of a 23-year-old man has ignited allegations of custodial killing, prompting demands for a thorough investigation from political leaders and the victim’s family. Imtiaz Ahmad Magray, a resident of Tangmarg in Kulgam’s Damhal Hanjipora area, was reportedly detained by the Army following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. His body was later found in a stream on Sunday, raising suspicions of foul play.

The family claims Magray was taken from his home by Army personnel days before his death, accusing security forces of orchestrating a custodial killing. Contrarily, police assert that Magray, who allegedly admitted to knowing the location of a terrorist hideout, attempted to escape during a cordon and search operation (CASO) near the Veshaw Nalla riverbed. According to a police statement, Magray jumped into the river while guiding authorities to the hideout, which was being monitored by drone footage. They further noted his purported awareness of a prior terrorist hideout in the Tangmarg forest, where security forces clashed with militants on April 23.

The incident has fueled political outcry. Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo of the National Conference (NC), representing the area, visited Magray’s family and condemned the incident, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order a judicial inquiry. “This tragedy fosters an atmosphere of fear,” Itoo told The Indian Express, emphasizing the need for transparency to uncover the truth. Similarly, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti criticized the incident as part of a broader pattern of violence following the Pahalgam attack, which she described as an attempt to destabilize peace, disrupt tourism, and undermine communal harmony. In a post on X, Mufti warned that such acts risk empowering perpetrators if they lead to arbitrary arrests and civilian targeting.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Kashmir, where the Pahalgam attack has strained the region’s fragile stability. Both the NC and PDP have called for accountability, amplifying the family’s plea for justice. As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about security operations and their impact on civilian lives in the region.