JAMMU, Feb 22: On Saturday, the Congress party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit called for a judicial investigation into the recent deaths of three individuals in the Kathua district.
The call was made by Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra during a workers’ convention held in Kathua.
On February 16, Roshan Lal, 45, and Shamsher, 37, were discovered strangled in the village of Batheri, while Makhan Din (25) from Billawar took his own life by ingesting insecticide at home on February 4, reportedly as a protest against alleged police harassment.
“We strongly condemn the tragic occurrences involving the suspicious deaths of two individuals in Billawar, along with the case of Din, and we demand a judicial inquiry to uncover the truth,” Karra expressed while addressing the convention, part of a 15-day campaign aimed at pushing for the restoration of statehood to J-K.
He announced the formation of a senior leadership team to visit the site, compile a thorough report, and submit it to the party.
Karra accused the administration of delaying the finalization of the “business rules” in the Union Territory, stating, “There is uncertainty in the administration regarding the definition and distribution of power.”
“The lack of statehood is obstructing the resolution of various issues faced by residents who had participated in elections with hopes of having their issues addressed,” he added.
Karra also took aim at the local BJP leadership, urging them to clarify their position regarding the ongoing delay in restoring statehood to J-K.
“The J-K BJP and its elected officials are maintaining a troubling silence on this crucial right for the people, compelling the Congress to escalate this movement in the forthcoming days,” Karra stated.
