The tragic killing of Mohammad Parvez in a police firing incident at Sure Chak, Jammu, has once again put the spotlight on the fragile balance the administration in Jammu and Kashmir must maintain between law enforcement and civil liberties. While the fight against the rampant drug menace in the region is both urgent and necessary, it cannot come at the cost of lives or erode public trust in the system. The police have suspended two District Special Branch personnel and constituted a Special Investigation Team led by a DySP-rank officer, alongside a magisterial inquiry ordered by the District Magistrate. These steps are timely and essential to ensuring an impartial probe into the circumstances that led to Parvez’s death. The parallel departmental and judicial investigations-both bound by a timeline-signal a clear message: justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.
However, such incidents are particularly volatile in Jammu and Kashmir, where history has repeatedly shown how quickly public outrage can spiral into broader unrest. Claims by the family regarding assurances of compensation and a job to a next of kin-though not officially confirmed-add further complexity. The primary focus must remain on unearthing the truth first. Premature conclusions or administrative gestures before the facts are fully known can further inflame tensions or undermine the credibility of the process.
The larger concern lies in how the police handle anti-drug operations. The pressure to show results, especially in the face of rising drug addiction and trafficking, can sometimes push enforcement agencies toward hasty or excessive actions. SOPs must be strictly adhered to, and the use of force must always be proportionate and accountable. It is in moments like these that maturity is required from all stakeholders-administration, police, political leaders, community representatives, and civil society. Knee-jerk reactions, blame games, or politicisation of tragedy will only deepen divisions. Ultimately, this incident must serve as a litmus test for institutional integrity. If Mohammad Parvez was wrongfully targeted, accountability must follow. If the police action was justified, it must be clearly demonstrated. Either way, only the truth will restore public faith.
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