Tensions Linger Along J&K's Ramban–Ramsu-Banihal Axis After Alleged Vigilante Attack
Police officials have confirmed that four persons have been detained for questioning as investigations progress.
Srinagar: Tensions continue to simmer in the mountainous Ramban–Ramsu-Banihal axis of Jammu and Kashmir following the feared death of a 25‑year‑old youth, an incident that local residents have blamed on a group of so‑called cow vigilantes.
The victim, identified as Tanveer Ahmed Chopan of Pogal village, allegedly came under attack on Sunday while moving through the area with a cow and two calves. According to the family and neighbours, Chopan was chased and assaulted by the group and was ultimately pushed into a mountain stream, leading to death. Police sources, however, have suggested that Chopan may have slipped into the gushing waters of the Bisleri nallah while attempting to flee the attackers. As locals continue to believe that Chopan is dead, rescue teams remained engaged for the third consecutive day on Tuesday in efforts to trace the body.
The incident triggered widespread protests across the area, with large crowds blocking the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH‑44) for about four hours on Monday. Amid escalating tensions and concerns over law and order, the authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet services. The situation later eased after the Ramban District Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta and other senior officials assured protesters that all those involved in the incident would be dealt with strictly under the law and that justice would be delivered. While normalcy was largely restored following these assurances, an undercurrent of tension remains. Reports said mobile internet services were restored on Tuesday afternoon.
Police officials have confirmed that four persons have been detained for questioning as investigations progress.
Ruling National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen visited the bereaved family and the exact spot in the Digdole area where the youth was reportedly chased and assaulted while carrying domesticated animal.
The visit was aimed at overseeing rescue operations and expressing solidarity with the family of the missing youth. Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said that the father of the missing young man had been met and assured of all possible support. Shaheen also announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to ensure a thorough and time‑bound probe into the incident.
The family of Chopan has maintained that he was transporting the cow and two calves from Jammu and was carrying a valid permit for the animals at the time of the incident. Local sources have claimed that this is the fourth such incident in the area in which individuals have allegedly been attacked by groups identifying themselves as cow vigilantes, adding to growing public anxiety and resentment.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has issued a strong warning against any form of lawlessness in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the government will not allow a “jungle raj” to take root in the Union Territory. Speaking to reporters in Bijbhera in Anantnag district, the Chief Minister said the government aims to usher in a new phase in J&K by making a fresh start focused on peace, stability and communal harmony.
Abdullah stated that certain elements are intent on disrupting the peaceful atmosphere by fuelling communal unrest and conflict, but emphasised that such attempts would not be tolerated as long as the present government remains in power.
The Chief Minister also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure strict and exemplary action against those involved in the Ramban incident and against anyone who attempted to disturb the situation thereafter. Such action, Abdullah said, should send a clear and strong message that disorder, vigilantism and lawlessness have no place in J&K.
