The Kashmiri community was rocked by tragedy as the body of 23-year-old Imtiaz Ahmad Magray was discovered in a stream in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The family alleges a custodial killing following his detention by the Army days earlier, while authorities maintain that he died trying to escape. Political parties and local leaders are now demanding a judicial inquiry amid growing suspicions and public unrest.
Suspected Custodial Death Sparks Outcry
Imtiaz was reportedly picked up by Army personnel from his home in Tangmarg. Days later, his body turned up in a nearby stream. The police claim he drowned after attempting to flee while being taken to where terrorists were allegedly hiding. In contrast, his family insists this was a custodial killing and want a full judicial probe to uncover the truth. National Conference leader and Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo visited the family, voicing concern over mounting fear and mistrust among locals.
Political Leaders Demand Justice
NC’s Sakina Itoo condemned the incident as “unfortunate,” stressing how the tragic loss has heightened local anxiety and distrust. She urged the Lieutenant Governor to order an impartial judicial inquiry—emphasizing that Magray’s release should have been communicated clearly to his family.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti echoed the demands, underscoring the “serious allegations of foul play” and calling for an “impartial investigation.” She linked the incident to broader issues: the fragile peace in Kashmir, which risks being eroded by unchecked repression and arbitrary arrests.
A Pattern of Custodial Deaths
This tragedy follows other disturbing incidents in the region. Families from Bandipora have accused authorities of custodial deaths, including the case of Altaf Hussain Lali, who died after being picked up by police of Kulgam. The handling of those cases—or lack thereof—has compounded the climate of suspicion surrounding this latest death.
Additionally, just last month, three Gujjar youth were found dead in the Vishaw River in Kulgam, under mysterious circumstances. Families allege their loved ones bore signs of torture, and despite public protests, no conclusions have been drawn from those deaths.
Why This Matters
This case isn’t just another tragic death—it highlights the persistent tension between civilian communities in Kashmir and security forces operating under a climate of impunity. When families are left grappling for answers, public trust erodes quickly. The demand for a judicial probe underscores a growing call for transparency, dignity, and accountability in situations where state power is involved.
For Kashmir to evolve toward normalcy, every death in custody cannot be brushed aside. Impartial investigations and judicial oversight are crucial—not merely for justice in individual cases, but to rebuild faith that institutions will not act with unchecked power.
A Turning Point—or More of the Same?
If authorities act swiftly with a transparent judicial inquiry, this case could signal a shift toward serious accountability in Kashmir. But if it’s swept under the rug, families and communities may feel that their voices—and their loved ones’ lives—are inconsequential.
Locals in Kulgam and surrounding areas have expressed deep frustration, saying repeated incidents of alleged custodial deaths are eroding faith in democratic processes and fueling resentment. Many argue that without swift accountability, young people in the Valley will continue to feel alienated, leaving peace efforts vulnerable to collapse.
The incident has amplified calls for accountability and could prove to be a test case for Kashmir’s fragile peace process. Unless addressed transparently, it risks becoming another scar in the long list of unresolved tragedies in the Valley. The response from the administration in the coming weeks will determine whether justice can prevail—or whether this episode deepens the cycle of mistrust and unrest.
ALSO READ: Holi 2025: Auspicious Date, Muhurat, Rituals & Significance of the Festival
