Jammu | Indian administered Jammu Kashmir: A young tribal man from the Gujjar community was shot dead by police in Jammu on Thursday, sparking outrage and protests over what activists and family members are calling a “cold-blooded killing” and “yet another case of targeted violence” against tribal populations in the region.
The deceased, identified as Mohammad Parvez, 21, a resident of Nikki Tawi, was allegedly shot by plainclothes police personnel near the Surre Chak area under the jurisdiction of Satwari Police Station on 24 July. He was declared dead upon arrival at Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu.
“This is the fifth incident this year in which a member of the Gujjar community has died under suspicious circumstances involving security forces,” said a tribal activist speaking to The Azadi Times. “The pattern cannot be ignored.”
Family Says He Was Innocent
Parvez had recently gotten married. According to his family, he had left home around 3–4 PM with his brother-in-law to buy medicine when they were stopped by a group of unidentified men in civilian clothes. Initially assuming them to be members of cow vigilante groups, the two tried to flee. Parvez was shot in the process, while his brother-in-law managed to escape.
“They killed him and then said he was a drug smuggler,” said Mohammad Farooq, Parvez’s elder brother. “If even one of us has an FIR against our name, let the police shoot us all.”
Police sources claimed that a special anti-drug unit was conducting a raid when it came under “heavy stone pelting” and responded with gunfire, in which Parvez was hit. However, no injuries were reported among the police, and no formal charges had ever been filed against the deceased.
Massive protests erupted outside GMC Jammu as Parvez’s family refused to accept the body. Videos showed grieving relatives wailing outside the mortuary amid heavy police presence. Hundreds gathered in solidarity at the family’s home.
“My brother was a daily wage labourer. He wasn’t a criminal. He was married just two months ago. What was his fault?” his sister cried before local reporters.
Talib Hussain, a prominent tribal rights activist, condemned the killing and demanded a judicial inquiry. “This was a fake encounter. He had no criminal record. If the police suspected him, they should have arrested him — not killed him,” he said.
Hussain further alleged political pressure behind the incident, stating that senior officials may be operating under directives to target Gujjar youth in the name of drug or cattle smuggling.
Political Reactions
Mehraj Malik, Doda MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party, called it a “fake encounter”, questioning whether Jammu and Kashmir had turned into a region where “police play judge, jury, and executioner.”
Former J&K Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti also expressed concern. While Abdullah warned that such incidents had previously “cost Jammu and Kashmir dearly,” Mufti said this type of policing would only breed more instability. “Labeling someone a drug dealer without trial sets a dangerous precedent,” she said.
A Disturbing Pattern
Parvez’s death is not an isolated case. In April, a Gujjar man was allegedly killed in custody in Bandipora after being detained as an “OGW” (Over Ground Worker). In March, three Gujjar youths were found dead in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district under mysterious circumstances. In February, another Gujjar youth from Kathua died by suicide following alleged police torture — the probe into that incident remains unresolved.
“How many more Gujjar youth must die before someone is held accountable?” asked Hussain. “We’ve stayed silent for too long — this ends now.”
As of Friday evening, the family of Mohammad Parvez continues to demand an independent judicial probe, refusing to bury their son until accountability is ensured.
The Azadi Times has reached out to Jammu Police and senior administration officials for comment. This report will be updated upon receiving a response.
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