AIP Langate MLA protests against civilian killings

Awami Ittehaad Party (AIP) MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmed on Monday staged a protest in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly premises, demanding justice for the families of two civilians recently killed in Baramulla and Kathua.

As Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha began his address, the legislator from the Langate constituency, who is also the brother of MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, raised slogans while holding a banner. However, Assembly marshals intervened and escorted him out of the assembly hall.

Ahmed later continued his protest outside the Assembly hall, calling for a judicial probe into the deaths of the two civilians.

“I protested in front of the Lieutenant Governor and demanded justice for the families of Waseem Mir and Makhan Din. The police and the government remain silent on this matter. Nothing has been done, and even legislators are not speaking up. That is why I raised this issue. We demand justice,” Ahmed told reporters outside the Assembly.

He emphasised the need for judicial inquiries into these incidents. “We urge the Lieutenant Governor to initiate judicial probes. We will also raise this issue in the Assembly,” he added.

Waseem Mir, a truck driver, was allegedly shot dead by security forces in Sopore, Baramulla district, when he reportedly refused to stop his vehicle at a check post despite repeated warnings. In the Billawar area of Kathua district, 26-year-old Makhan Din, accused of being involved in militant activities, allegedly died by suicide following alleged police harassment. Both incidents, which took place in February, triggered widespread anger in the Valley.

Ahmed also called for the restoration of statehood, the release of political prisoners, an end to employee terminations, and the repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Speaking to reporters, he stated, “AIP will continue to fight for justice and for the political and economic well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”