National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has called for an independent investigation into the recent rise in armed encounters across Jammu and Kashmir following the formation of the new government in the Union Territory. Speaking to a select group of journalists at his Gupkar residence in Srinagar, Dr. Abdullah expressed concerns over the timing and frequency of recent clashes, suggesting that a probe could shed light on whether there may be hidden motives behind the surge.
“I find it peculiar that we did not see such a spike in encounters before the government took charge. There should be an independent probe to determine who is responsible for these incidents,” Dr. Abdullah stated, raising suspicions that certain agencies might be involved in destabilizing the administration led by his son, Omar Abdullah.
Dr. Abdullah also urged security forces to prioritize capturing militants instead of resorting to fatal confrontations. Referring to the recent encounter in Srinagar’s Khanyar area, he emphasized the importance of arrests over killings, stating, “If they are taken alive, we can investigate and determine if there are specific elements tasked with destabilizing the region.”
The veteran politician highlighted the region’s stable period before the recent surge, noting that tourism was thriving, and daily business activities were uninterrupted. He suggested that the current situation could negatively impact the territory’s progress and stability. “Terrorism was at its lowest ebb, which is why I am demanding a thorough investigation,” he asserted.
The call for an inquiry comes amid a wave of targeted attacks on non-local laborers and increased clashes with security forces, sparking concerns among residents and raising questions about the factors contributing to this renewed violence in the region.
