Jammu, Apr 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday refused to enter into the debate on whether a judicial or magisterial probe should be ordered into the Ganderbal encounter, and justified the probe ordered by the lieutenant governor, stating that a prompt inquiry was needed.
The Army has claimed that the man killed in the encounter in Arhama forests on March 31 — identified as Ganderbal resident Rashid Ahmad Mughal — was a terrorist. However, his family alleged that he had no terror links and termed the encounter fake, while demanding the return of his body for proper burial.
“I will not get into the debate over whether there should be a judicial probe or a magisterial probe,” Abdullah told reporters in reply to a question on the issue.
Highlighting procedural delays, the chief minister said ordering a judicial inquiry often takes considerable time.
“The issue with a judicial inquiry is that it takes a lot of time. First of all, sitting judges are not easily available nowadays, and the Supreme Court has also placed considerable restrictions on such appointments. Even bringing in a retired judge is not that easy,” he said.
Advocating a swift process, Abdullah said, “I believe that the inquiry should be conducted without wasting time. It should be initiated immediately, and if there is truth in the matter, it should be brought before the public.”
Endorsing the magisterial probe ordered by the lieutenant governor, he said, “I think the approach adopted by the lieutenant governor is right. Let the magisterial inquiry do its work, and whatever the truth is, it will come out before the people.”
Referring to the broader situation in Iran, Abdullah took note of remarks made by the President of the United States and questioned the tone of his public communication.
“The kind of language used by the US President and his office: does it suit him or his office? Is such rhetoric appropriate for someone in that position? The kind of words being used are such that even you and I cannot repeat them without censoring them in a broadcast,” he said, adding that the dignity of the office must be maintained.
On the issue of war, the chief minister expressed concern over the prolonged conflict. “We are all concerned about it. The longer it continues, the more difficult it will become for all of us,” he said.
Reiterating the need for peace, Abdullah said, “We all hope that a ceasefire is announced as soon as possible, that the war comes to an end, and the current situation stabilises and improves.”
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