Shutdown and Unrest Sweep Doda and Kishtwar After Police Firing Death
SRINAGAR: Partial or complete lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir’s eastern twin district headquarters of Doda and Kishtwar on Saturday paralyzed daily life as widespread protests broke out over the killing of 30-year-old Aarif Hussain in alleged police firing in Bhaderwah the previous night. While the administration extended the suspension of mobile internet services in Doda for the second consecutive day, internet speeds were seen being deliberately throttled in neighboring Kishtwar to contain the unrest.
Hussain, a resident of Cheeka village, was fatally injured in a late night encounter with policemen in Jaie area of Bhaderwah. Police said the shooting occurred after the man allegedly tried to take his service rifle from special operations group (SOG) personnel during a scuffle. Authorities said that 3 SOG members were also injured in the incident.
However, locals rejected the police’s version, saying the murder was unjustified, and staged large protests during Hussein’s funeral. They demanded a CBI investigation, registration of a murder case and strict action against those responsible. Bhaderwah witnessed a partial protest bandh on Friday
Former chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed strong concern over the developments in Doda district, terming reports of the killing of a civilian as “extremely disturbing”. In a post on ‘X’, he said the initial statements that Arif Hussein was “allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces” and the subsequent region-wide internet shutdown raise serious questions that require urgent answers.
Mufti emphasized that the administration must act quickly to reveal the facts and ensure full accountability for the incident. He warned that J&K cannot be allowed to be dragged into a situation where mere allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence or targeted attacks on Muslims. In his view, such patterns, if left unchecked, risk deepening social tensions and undermining public trust in institutions.
CPI(M) leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said Hussain’s death had caused “anguish and unrest” in the region. He called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
Authorities confirmed that two men (Rehmatullah and Sajjad Ahmad) who accompanied Hussain and fled the scene were detained for questioning. Police ruled out any terrorism but maintained that the group was suspected of cattle smuggling and was acting suspiciously when stopped by the SOG team. An open FIR has been registered in several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempted murder and assault on public servants.
The closure followed strike calls by local religious organizations in both regions, claiming Hussein’s innocence and demanding a fair investigation. Although public transportation continued operations, most shops and workplaces remained closed. Security forces, including police and paramilitary units, were heavily deployed in sensitive areas to maintain order.
J&K Home Ministry has ordered suspension of mobile data, public Wi-Fi and broadband services across Doda from July 17 to 19, citing concerns that high-speed internet could be misused by miscreants to disrupt public order.
