Opposition Demands Judicial Probe, Family Calls Killing ‘Fake’
April 4, 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on the final day of its Budget Session as members from the National Conference, Indian National Congress, and People’s Democratic Party demanded a judicial probe into the recent Ganderbal encounter. The incident involved the killing of Rashid Ahmad Mughal in the Arhama forests on March 31, with the army claiming he was a terrorist. However, his family has strongly denied any terror links, alleging it was a fake encounter and demanding the return of his body.
The issue sparked intense debate, with legislators across parties—except the Bharatiya Janata Party—seeking accountability and a formal statement from Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. Manoj Sinha had earlier ordered a magisterial probe, asking for a report within seven days. Leaders like Mubarak Gul and Hasnain Masoodi stressed the need for justice, with Masoodi highlighting that the right to a dignified burial is a fundamental constitutional right.
Congress leaders, including Nizamuddin Bhat and Irfan Hafiz Lone, argued that only a judicial probe could ensure fairness and transparency, terming an administrative inquiry inadequate in such serious cases. Meanwhile, BJP MLA R S Pathania questioned the discussion of a law-and-order matter in the House. Responding to the uproar, the Speaker reiterated that a time-bound inquiry was already underway, even as demands for a more robust investigation continued.