The double murder in Billawar, Kathua district, has once again shaken the region, raising serious concerns about security and the rule of law. The brutal killing of Roshan Lal and Shamsher, whose bodies were found strangled on the banks of a stream in Batheri village, is a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by residents in remote areas. While the police have not ruled out terrorist involvement, the incident underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation and a robust security framework to prevent such tragedies in the future. Forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a Superintendent of Police is a step in the right direction. However, the delay in achieving a breakthrough is troubling. The joint anti-terrorist operation involving the police, army and paramilitary forces in nearby forests indicates the gravity of the situation. Yet, the lack of concrete results so far highlights the challenges faced by security forces in tackling such crimes, especially in areas with difficult terrain and a history of militancy.
The tragic deaths are not just statistics; they represent the loss of lives that could have been prevented with better intelligence and proactive security measures. The Government must ensure that the SIT leaves no stone unturned in identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. At the same time, it is imperative to address the underlying issues that make regions like Billawar susceptible to such violence. Last year’s terror activities in Kathua, including the attack on an army patrol that claimed the lives of five soldiers, should have served as a wake-up call. The recurrence of violence suggests that more needs to be done to strengthen intelligence networks, enhance community policing, and foster trust between security forces and local residents. While the SIT’s investigation is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The people of Billawar, and indeed all of Jammu and Kashmir, deserve to live in peace and security. It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that their right to life and dignity is upheld.
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