Uproar in J&K Assembly over Ganderbal encounter; Speaker says time-bound probe ordered by L-G

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed turmoil on the last day of the Budget Session on Saturday, April 4, 2026, with members of the National Conference, Congress and PDP demanding a judicial inquiry into the recent Ganderbal encounter.

The army claimed that the man killed in an encounter in Arhama forests on March 31 and identified as Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Ganderbal, was a terrorist. However, his family claimed he had no links to terrorism and said the encounter was fake and demanded that his body be returned for a proper burial.

As the House met, legislators from both the treasury and opposition houses – except the BJP – condemned the murder and demanded a statement on the matter from Speaker Abdul Rahim Pretty.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday, April 3, 2026, ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and sought a report within seven days.

NC MLA Mubarak Gul, who raised the issue, called for a strong message from the Parliament against the killing of an “innocent” person and emphasized that accountability is fixed.

His party colleague and former Justice Hasnain Masoodi underlined that the right to a decent burial is fundamental and constitutionally recognized and must be respected to maintain justice and transparency.

“Any restriction on this right undermines the principles of justice and democratic values,” he said, backing the family’s demand to return the body.

Babur was buried by the police in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, as per the standard procedure followed for terrorists killed in encounters.

Congress legislator Nizamuddin Bhat said administrative inquiry would not be enough in such a serious matter, asserting that only judicial investigation could ensure justice and credibility.

Calling for transparency and timely justice, he said, “Investigations at the administrative level tend to balance conflicting interests, which can affect accountability. What is required in such serious matters is judicial investigation.” he said.

National Conference MLA Mir Saifullah described the incident as “deeply worrying” and said the demand for a judicial inquiry to identify those responsible and hold them accountable should be supported.

Congressman Irfan Hafız Lone, who protested on the issue before entering the parliament, opened a banner demanding that the voice of the deceased’s family be heard and justice be provided. He also demanded a result-oriented investigation to reveal the truth.

Questioning the discussion of the law and order issue in the Assembly, BJP’s RS Pathania said his questions had been rejected on similar grounds before.

Responding to the concerns, the Speaker informed the House that a time-bound investigation into the matter had been ordered by the Lieutenant Governor.