L G Manoj Sinha orders magisterial probe into Ganderbal encounter

With the Ganderbal encounter snowballing into a major controversy after the family of the deceased—labelled a “terrorist” by the Army—denied any militant links, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a “thorough and impartial” magisterial probe into the incident. The Army had on Wednesday stated that a militant was killed in an operation that began a day earlier. However, it did not disclose the identity or affiliation of the slain individual. The Jammu and Kashmir Police also did not issue any statement since the beginning of the operation. A family from Ganderbal district told The Tribune that the deceased was their kin and claimed he was innocent with “no links to militancy.” As the family demanded an inquiry, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for a “transparent and time-bound probe,” warning that any attempt to “obfuscate or delay” the process would damage credibility.

On Friday, the Lieutenant Governor announced the probe. “I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the Arhama, Ganderbal incident. The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served,” the LG’s office posted on X, attaching a communication from the J&K Home Department to the District Magistrate, Ganderbal.

The letter, written by the Under Secretary to the Home Department, stated that the matter had been examined. “Accordingly, you are requested to conduct a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal,” it read.

It further directed that the inquiry be completed within seven days and the report submitted to the Home Department, which functions under the L-G.

On Thursday, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also raised concerns over the encounter.

Earlier, the Army’s Chinar Corps said that a joint search operation was launched in the Arhama area based on specific intelligence inputs. During the operation, troops noticed suspicious movement and, upon being challenged, came under fire, prompting retaliation.

Following the announcement of the probe, reactions poured in. Hurriyat Chairman and Jamia Masjid chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he hoped “this time justice is delivered and those responsible are held accountable.”

He also termed it “inhuman and condemnable” that the body was not handed over to the family for burial.

Meanwhile, BJP Media Incharge Kashmir Sajid Yousuf Shah termed the probe a “constructive and necessary step,” emphasising that it must be conducted in a fair, transparent, and time-bound manner to strengthen public trust.

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Courtesy: The Tribune -04-Apr-2026