A row has broken out in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir after the body of 23-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray was found in a stream, days after he was picked up by the army on suspicion of questioning following the Pahalgam terror attack. Locals and relatives have alleged that Magray was taken into custody by security personnel two days ago, and his death under mysterious circumstances has sparked allegations of complicity and calls for accountability.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has led the way in sounding the alarm, demanding a fair investigation and cautioning against what she labeled as a series of random arrests and extra-judicial procedures after terror attacks. Mehbooba contended that such acts risk derailing peace, upending tourism, and eroding communal harmony in the Valley. She also attributed Magray's death to a pattern, pointing out he is the third individual to perish under questionable circumstances since the attack at Pahalgam.
Political leaders from across parties, such as National Conference's Sakina Itoo and CPI(M) MLA MY Tarigami, have also seconded calls for a judicial inquiry to ascertain facts and make things transparent.
Although nothing has been officially said by the army, a so-called message went around among local journalists which stated that Magray killed himself, jumping into the river while supposedly leading security personnel to a militant hideout-a statement with a leaked video that surfaced on social media.
The police launched an investigation into the cause of death, but outrage and mistrust are high in public with most in the community calling for a complete and independent investigation to counter allegations of wrongdoing and reestablish confidence.
The incident has raised the profile of security operations in Kashmir, particularly with current tensions and recent violence in the region.
