The Indian army initiated an investigation on Monday into the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The individuals—Mohammad Ishaq, Zahid Iqbal and Shakir Ahmed—were reportedly in army custody following a militant attack on December 21 that claimed the lives of four soldiers. The incident has stirred outrage and protests in the region.

In the aftermath of the December 21 attack, the army detained eight civilians from Topa Pir village in Poonch for questioning. Residents allege that the civilians were arbitrarily picked up and denied communication with their families. The three deceased individuals were discovered under mysterious circumstances near the Pakistan border on December 22. Local residents claim they were detained by the army for questioning, leading to increased tension in the already volatile region.

In response to mounting concerns, senior officers stationed in the area have been transferred, as confirmed by a military official. “We have initiated a court of inquiry to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the deaths,” an anonymous military official told the AFP. “Several senior officers have been reassigned to ensure transparency and impartiality in the investigation.” The army has launched a court of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure transparency and impartiality. The families of the deceased, along with local activists, are calling for an independent panel to conduct a thorough probe and swift action against those found responsible.

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) condemned the incident, urging the Indian government to prioritize civilian protection and hold security forces accountable. The NCM also demanded a report on civilian deaths. Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti also criticized the government for the incident.

While the Indian government expressed regret for the loss of life and promised a thorough investigation, initial statements defended the army’s actions and attributed the deaths to natural causes. Protests have erupted in Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with demonstrators demanding justice for the deceased and condemning the alleged brutality of the army.

This incident adds to the troubled history of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been plagued by decades of insurgency against Indian rule, further complicating the situation and fostering an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.