J&K: Shutdown and Unrest Sweep Doda and Kishtwar After Police Firing Death
Mufti stressed that the administration must move swiftly to establish the facts and ensure full accountability for the incident
SRINAGAR: A partial to complete shutdown paralysed daily life across Jammu and Kashmir’s eastern twin district headquarters of Doda and Kishtwar on Saturday as widespread protests erupted over the killing of 30‑year‑old Aarif Hussain in an alleged police firing in Bhaderwah the previous night. The administration extended the suspension of mobile internet services in Doda for a second consecutive day, while neighbouring Kishtwar saw deliberate throttling of internet speeds to contain the unrest.
Hussain, a resident of Cheeka village, was fatally injured during a late‑night face-off with the policemen in the Jaie area of Bhaderwah. Police said the firing occurred after he allegedly attempted to snatch a service rifle from a Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel during a scuffle. Three SOG members were also injured in the incident, officials said.
Locals, however, rejected the police narrative, calling the killing unjustified and staging massive protests during Hussain’s funeral. They demanded a CBI probe, registration of a murder case, and strict action against those responsible. Bhaderwah witnessed a partial protest bandh on Friday
Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed strong concern over the developments in Doda district, calling the reports of a civilian’s killing “deeply disturbing.” In a post on ‘X’, she said that initial accounts suggesting that Arif Hussain was “allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces,” followed by a district‑wide internet shutdown, had raised serious questions that demanded urgent answers.
Mufti stressed that the administration must move swiftly to establish the facts and ensure full accountability for the incident. She warned that J&K cannot be allowed to drift into a situation where mere allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence or targeted attacks against Muslims. According to her, such patterns—if left unchecked—risk deepening communal tensions and undermining public trust in institutions.
CPI(M) leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami expressed deep grief over the incident, stating that Hussain’s death had caused “anguish and unrest” in the region. He called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
Officials confirmed that two men—Rehmatullah and Sajjad Ahmad—who were accompanying Hussain and fled the scene, were detained for questioning. Police ruled out any terror angle but suggested the group was suspected of cattle smuggling and had been moving suspiciously when intercepted by the SOG team. An open FIR was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder and assault on public servants.
The shutdown followed strike calls issued by local religious organisations in both districts, alleging Hussain’s innocence and demanding a fair probe. Most shops and business establishments remained closed, though public transport continued to operate. Security forces, including police and paramilitary units, were deployed heavily at sensitive locations to maintain order.
The J&K Home Department ordered the suspension of mobile data, public Wi‑Fi, and broadband services across Doda from July 17 to 19, citing concerns that high‑speed internet could be misused by miscreants to disturb public order.
