CM Omar Abdullah visits family of Gujjar youth killed in police crossfire

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday visited the residence of Gujjar youth Mohammad Parvez in Jammu to offer his condolences to the bereaved family.

An official said Omar assured them of every possible support from the government and reaffirmed his commitment to “justice with compassion”.

Parvez was killed in crossfire when police were chasing suspected drug peddlers in Jammu city last Thursday.

Omar, who flew to Jammu from Srinagar, went directly to the house of the deceased youth. He was accompanied by minister Javed Rana and his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani.

Provincial secretary of the National Conference, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, told the media that the family spoke to Omar Abdullah, who had visited them to express condolences and share in their grief. “He assured them that there will be justice,” Bashir said.

Ahmed added that the party was hopeful justice would be delivered to Parvez’s family. Several political and social organisations have called for a thorough investigation into the youth’s killing. Two policemen have been suspended and a magisterial probe has been ordered.

Bashir Ahmed said multiple options were being considered to secure justice for the victim. “People are looking to the Lieutenant Governor, who oversees police affairs. A special investigation team has been constituted and the probe is ongoing. Let us wait for the outcome,” he said.

“Those found involved in the incident after the probe will receive the severest punishment. We hope the case will be taken to its logical conclusion and the court will award appropriate punishment,” he added.