A major controversy has erupted in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir following the manner in which the mortal remains of two special police officers killed by terrorists were transported to their homes. The bodies of the personnel, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, were brought in a dumper truck without coffins, shocking local residents and sparking widespread anger.
Public and Family Outrage
The slain personnel were identified as Rashpal Kumar and Bobby Chand. When their remains arrived at their native village of Kiyar, the grim sight left everyone stunned. Relatives and villagers leveled serious allegations of apathy against the police administration. Locals stated that no proper vehicle or even a stretcher was provided to carry the bodies, and villagers had to arrange white cloth themselves to cover the remains.
MLA Shagun Parihar Slams Police Officials
Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar rushed to the spot and strongly reprimanded police officials over the incident. She questioned why the martyrs were treated in such an undignified manner and hauled in a dumper truck. Recalling her own family tragedy where terrorists killed her father and uncle, she said she intimately understands the pain, adding that such treatment meted out to those who die for the country is deeply painful.
Leader of Opposition Demands Answers
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma also expressed strong displeasure over the entire episode and demanded accountability from senior police officials. Following the intervention of senior officers as the situation escalated, both personnel were finally cremated with full military and police honors.
Context of the Search Operation
The tragedy traces back to November 12, when the two special police officers went missing during a patrol alongside the army. They were heading towards the Dharna post when they lost contact. Initially, their mobile phones were reachable, but they were subsequently switched off. Following their disappearance, a massive search operation was launched in the Dharna forest of Marwah. After hours of combing the area, their bullet-riddled bodies were recovered on Thursday morning, though their weapons were missing. Officials noted that one had a bullet wound to the head and the other to the back.
Tradition of Honor and Serious Questions
Ordinarily, when a police personnel is martyred in Jammu and Kashmir, the department observes a time-honored tradition of a dignified farewell. The body is placed respectfully in a coffin, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the police line where senior officers and fellow personnel pay their final respects before the coffin is handed over to the family. However, the glaring lapses in this instance have raised profound questions regarding the administrative accountability and operational protocols of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
