Mon Mar 10 10:32:23 UTC 2025: **Jammu and Kashmir CM Accuses Political Interference in Kathua Killings Investigation**
JAMMU, March 10, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today accused authorities of politicizing the investigation into the mysterious deaths of five civilians in Kathua. He expressed concern in the state Assembly over the handling of the case, highlighting the disparity in treatment afforded to the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and the Deputy Chief Minister.
Five deaths, including three men whose bodies were found in a waterfall on March 8th, and two others discovered on February 16th, have rocked the region. While police investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the Chief Minister criticized the police for permitting the BJP’s LoP, Sunil Sharma, to visit the bereaved families while simultaneously barring Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary from doing the same.
“Attempts are being made to give a political colour to the Kathua incidents,” Abdullah stated. He questioned why Sharma, who claimed to have been acting on behalf of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was given access while Choudhary was prevented from visiting.
The Assembly witnessed heated debates over the issue, with CPI(M) MLA M.Y. Tarigami calling for a formal condemnation of the killings. Abdullah responded by condemning the killings and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about an assault on Independent MLA Rameshwar Singh, who was attacked while visiting the hospital in Billawar where family members of the victims were receiving treatment. Abdullah demanded an investigation into this incident.
The Chief Minister’s remarks highlight growing tensions in the region and raise serious questions about the transparency and impartiality of the ongoing investigation. The differing treatment of political figures visiting affected families has fueled further speculation and controversy.
First Piper 