In a display of determination and empathy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the families of three civilians allegedly killed in custody in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on December 22. Accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Singh visited the families at Dak Bungalow, offering assurance of justice to the bereaved.
The incident unfolded after a terrorist ambush resulted in the death of four Army personnel and injuries to three others on December 21. Subsequently, three civilians—Safeer Hussain, Mohd Showket, and Shabir Ahmad—were reportedly taken into custody by the Army and found dead on December 22. Disturbing video clips depicting custodial torture of the civilians circulated widely on social media.
During his visit, Singh also checked on the condition of four other individuals who claimed to be victims of “torture” at the Government Medical College (GMC). The Defence Minister, addressing the media, expressed a commitment to justice, stating, “Whatever has happened…there will be justice.”
The meeting at Dak Bungalow included District Development Council (DDC) members, former legislators, and civil society representatives. Singh, along with the Lt Governor, assured action against those responsible after a thorough inquiry into the incident.
Former MLC Shahnaz Ganai, present at the meeting, conveyed hope for justice for the victims’ families. Ganai also emphasized solidarity with the soldiers and their families, stating, “We, the people of Rajouri-Poonch, will not allow inimical elements to take benefit of such incidents.”
Sohail Malik, a DDC member from Surankote, revealed that the Defence Minister assured them that those responsible for the incident would face legal consequences. The incident had sparked public outrage, with demands for justice, compensation, and jobs for the victim families.
In the aftermath, the Defence Minister’s visit and commitment to action were met with satisfaction among the community. The situation remains under scrutiny as the search for terrorists continues in both Surankote and Thanamandi forest belt.
As the government addresses the aftermath of this tragic incident, the nation watches closely, expecting accountability and justice for the affected families.