In the wake of a rebel attack in the disputed region of Kashmir, the deaths of three civilians who were detained by the Indian army have sparked outrage and demands for an investigation into alleged custodial killings. The incident has heightened tensions in the already volatile area, leading to protests and calls for justice.

The three victims, Mohammad Showkat, 22, Safeer Hussain, 45, and Shabir Ahmad, 32, were reportedly picked up by the army at Topa Pir village in Poonch district on Friday morning, a day after suspected rebels ambushed military vehicles, killing four Indian soldiers near the village.

According to the families, the victims showed signs of torture on their bodies, indicating excessive use of force. Noor Ahmad, brother of Safer Hussain, expressed his grief and demanded justice for the killings, stressing that compensation and jobs offered by the government cannot heal the wounds of losing loved ones.

The victims, belonging to the Gujjar tribal community, traditionally leading a pastoral life in the mountainous region of Kashmir, have sparked calls for accountability and transparency regarding their deaths. The families expressed skepticism regarding the government's offer of compensation and jobs, arguing that it may be an attempt to cover up the potential involvement of the army in the killings.

The Indian army responded to the incident by announcing an investigation, but no details regarding the detention or deaths have been provided thus far. The regional authority, run directly from New Delhi, claimed that legal action had been initiated, but the specifics remain undisclosed.

Kashmir has been without an elected local government since 2019 when India revoked its special status and divided the region into two centrally-administered areas. This move, coupled with restrictions on free speech, civil liberties, and media freedoms, has drawn criticism and led to the detention of activists, politicians, and journalists.

With tensions already high, the recent incident has further fueled resentment among the local population. A video circulating on social media allegedly shows army personnel sprinkling chili powder on detained civilians, but its authenticity remains unverified.

While protests erupted in the main city of Srinagar, demanding justice for the victims, the history of impunity enjoyed by the Indian armed forces in the region raises concerns about the ensuing investigation. The controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act provides protection to soldiers and hinders the prosecution of human rights violations.

Amidst international scrutiny and calls for the repeal of the AFSPA, the tribal community of Kashmir is demanding answers and accountability. Guftar Ahmad Choudhary, a tribal activist from Rajouri, questioned the lack of action against the army and highlighted the need for clarity and adherence to the law.

As the investigations continue and tensions remain high, the deaths of these civilians have not only deepened the wounds felt by their families, but also reignited debate about human rights abuses and the need for justice in the troubled region of Kashmir.