Tue Apr 08 05:47:38 UTC 2025: ## Kashmir Gujjar Community Accuses Authorities of Covering Up Killings After Mysterious Disappearances

**KULGAM, Indian-administered Kashmir** – The deaths of two young Gujjar men, Riyaz Ahmad (25) and Showkat Ahmad (18), have ignited a furious protest in Indian-administered Kashmir, with the community accusing authorities of a cover-up. The bodies of the brothers were found in a canal weeks after their disappearance, along with that of Mukhtar Ahmad Awan (24), who remains missing. Official reports cite drowning and suicide, but families and community members allege torture and murder.

The three men vanished on February 13th after attending a wedding. When they failed to return, a frantic search ensued, involving police, the army, and local rescue teams. A month later, Riyaz’s body was discovered, followed three days later by Showkat’s. Post-mortem reports indicated drowning, raising suspicions of suicide. However, the condition of the bodies—described as showing sores, bloodied eyes, and peeling skin—has fueled accusations of foul play.

Mohamad Sadiq, father of Riyaz and Showkat, vehemently denies the official narrative, claiming his sons were “tortured and killed.” This sentiment echoes through the Gujjar community, who point to a history of disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region. The Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 Kashmiris have disappeared since the armed revolt against India began in 1989.

The incident has escalated into a major political controversy. Protests have erupted, including one where a video surfaced showing a police officer allegedly kicking a female protester. Arrests of student leaders from the Gujjar community followed in Jammu district. While an internal police investigation into the alleged assault has been announced, there has been no official statement from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the disappearances or deaths.

This case is not isolated. Similar incidents involving the disappearance and subsequent discovery of bodies in canals have occurred in neighboring Kathua district, further intensifying concerns. Furthermore, the Gujjar community has a history of experiencing disproportionate violence, citing several past cases of alleged extrajudicial killings and torture at the hands of security forces.

The families of the victims are demanding a fair and independent investigation, while the Gujjar community continues to express profound fear and distrust towards law enforcement agencies. The uncertainty surrounding Mukhtar Awan’s fate and the unresolved questions surrounding the deaths of Riyaz and Showkat leave the community grappling with grief and a deep sense of injustice. The lack of a comprehensive government response has only amplified their calls for accountability and justice.

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