J&K assembly demands probe into Gujjar brothers' deaths

The mysterious deaths of two Gujjar brothers have caused a significant uproar in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) assembly. Opposition legislators and members of the National Conference (NC) are demanding an inquiry into what they describe as suspicious circumstances surrounding the brothers' disappearance and subsequent deaths. The bodies of Showkat Ahmad Bajad and Riyaz were found in a river in Kulgam district after they went missing for a month. Their relatives last saw them on February 13 when they attended a wedding. The situation escalated when the second body was discovered in a decomposed state, leading to protests by mourners. Some of these mourners claimed they faced police brutality during the protests. Legislators argued that these deaths are part of a disturbing trend affecting the Gujjar community, with several unexplained fatalities occurring recently. PDP legislator Waheed Parra raised concerns about the increase in such cases and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incidents. Other lawmakers expressed worry that people are disappearing without a trace, only for their bodies to be discovered later. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary called for a fair and thorough investigation into the deaths of the brothers. Local authorities, however, restricted access to Kulgam for some opposition members. Witnesses reported that police used force against mourners who questioned the official narrative of suicide. J&K police have since announced an inquiry into the conduct of officers involved in the protests. Initial findings from forensic experts suggest that the brothers may have died by drowning, with police dismissing the possibility of homicide. Concerns were also raised about a previous case involving another tribal youth who died by suicide after claiming police torture.