Jammu & Kashmir
Investigation into Allegations of “Ill-Treatment” of Civilians
- 23 Nov 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Army initiated an investigation into allegations of “ill-treatment” of civilians during search operations for militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
Key Points
- Launch of Operation:
- The Rashtriya Rifles initiated an operation in the Kishtwar Sector, based on specific intelligence about terrorist movements.
- The White Knight Corps confirmed the operation and ongoing monitoring of the terrorist group.
- Allegations of Civilian Ill-Treatment:
- Allegations surfaced regarding the ill-treatment of four men from Kuath village, who were reportedly called to an Army camp.
- Sources suggest the allegations include accusations of torture in custody.
- The Army announced an investigation to verify the claims and assured necessary follow-up actions.
- Past Allegations:
- In December 2023 three civilians were allegedly killed in custody in connection with a terror attack in Poonch.
- Following an inquiry, lapses in personnel conduct were reported, and the involved Army unit was relocated out of the district.
- This situation underscores ongoing tensions and challenges in managing counter-terrorism operations while addressing allegations of human rights violations.
The Rashtriya Rifles
- It is a counter-insurgency force in India, formed in 1990, to deal with internal security in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
- They maintain public order by drawing powers from the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 (AFSPA).
- The force operates under the Ministry of Defence. The Indian Army describes RR as their "specialist elite force to combat insurgency".
- The RR is headquartered at Northern Command in Udhampur and commanded by an Additional Director General of Rashtriya Rifles (ADG RR).
