National Conference President and Lok Sabha MP Dr. Farooq Abdullah has urged an independent investigation into the recent surge in encounters across Jammu and Kashmir since the formation of the new government in the Union Territory. Speaking with journalists at his Gupkar residence in Srinagar, Dr. Abdullah expressed concerns about the timing and intensity of these encounters, raising the possibility that hidden motives may be influencing the increase, reports the Kashmir Observer.
“It is strange that such an escalation in encounters was not observed before the new government took office,” Dr. Abdullah noted, suggesting that an impartial inquiry could help reveal any responsible parties behind these incidents. He questioned if certain agencies might be working to destabilise the administration under his son, Omar Abdullah.
Calling for restraint, Dr. Abdullah urged security forces to focus on apprehending militants alive rather than fatal engagements. He highlighted the recent encounter in Srinagar’s Khanyar area, emphasising that capturing suspects would enable investigations to reveal any orchestrated efforts to destabilise the region. “If they are detained, we can investigate if specific groups are contributing to instability,” he remarked.
The former chief minister pointed out that prior to the recent spike, Jammu and Kashmir had enjoyed a period of relative calm, with tourism flourishing and business operating without disruption. He emphasised that the current volatility could damage the territory’s progress and stability. “Terrorism was at a low, and that is why I am insisting on a thorough investigation,” he added.
Dr. Abdullah’s call for a probe comes amid a troubling wave of targeted attacks on non-local workers and escalating clashes between security forces and militants, raising concerns about the underlying factors driving this renewed violence in the region.
