Truck Driver Killed In Baramulla, Youth Dies by Suicide In Kathua after Alleged ‘Police Harassment’

Srinagar, Feb 06: A driver was killed in north Kashmir after forces fired upon a suspicious truck that allegedly escaped a naka in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the Army said on Thursday.  While in another incident, an alleged police harassment has led to the suicide of Makhan Din suicide in Billawar.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised concerns over both the deaths in Kathua and Baramulla, warning that such incidents could deepen local alienation. He stated that he has taken up the matter with the Centre and urged a swift, transparent investigation into both cases.

Omar said both incidents are deeply unfortunate and should never have happened,” he remarked.

According to the reports the Army’s Chinar Corps on X wrote that on Feb 05, based on a very specific intelligence input about the movement of terrorists, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was established by security forces. 

Giving details about the incident, according to the Army, one speeding, suspicious civilian truck was spotted. When challenged, the truck didn’t stop despite repeated warnings; instead, it accelerated further while crossing the check post. Alert troops pursued the vehicle for over 23 km. Shots were fired, aiming at the tires to deflate them, which forced the vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk.

“Following a detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by security forces, where he was declared dead,” reads the post on X, adding, the fully loaded truck has been sent to the nearest police station.

“A detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway, and an investigation into the suspect’s antecedents is in progress,” said Army. 

Meanwhile, Omar said such incidents risk alienating the very people we need to walk with us on the path to lasting peace,” Abdullah said in a post on X.

He emphasized that he has pressed the Union government for time-bound, transparent investigations and assured that the J&K administration would also conduct its own inquiries.

The Chief Minister stressed that winning the trust and cooperation of the local population is essential for achieving lasting stability in Jammu and Kashmir.