Srinagar, Jun 25: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken up a complaint regarding the mysterious disappearance and subsequent deaths of three men from the Gujjar-Bakerwal Scheduled Tribe in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

The case, highlighting serious allegations of “apathy and abuse of power,” is being pursued by advocates Aquib Wani and Yavar Ramzan. According to a complaint received by the Commission,  ñ  a copy of which has Greater Kashmir, three men ó Mohammad Showkat, Riyaz Ahmed Bajad, and Mukhtar Ahmed ó had left their homes in Ashmuji village on February 13, 2025, to attend a family function. All three reportedly vanished on their way to the event, with their mobile phones found to be switched off shortly after.

Desperate to find them, family members conducted extensive searches and reached out to friends and relatives, but no trace of the men was found. The families allege that despite repeatedly approaching the local police in Kulgam for help, authorities failed to take any meaningful action until the case drew widespread attention on social and print media.

Tragically, two of the three men were later found dead in a nearby nallah (stream). When families sought answers about the third missing person, Mukhtar Ahmed, the complaint alleges that officials responded with aggression rather than assistance. This confrontation, coupled with the anguish of losing two loved ones and the uncertainty surrounding the third, sparked local outrage.

In protest, the residents staged a peaceful sit-in on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Qazigund, bringing the bodies of the deceased with them. The situation escalated further when a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) allegedly kicked an elderly woman related to the missing men. The disturbing incident, captured on video, provoked widespread condemnation across Jammu and Kashmir and was even raised in the J&K Legislative Assembly.

The complaint to the NHRC categorises the case as an instance of ìAbuse of Powerî by law enforcement. As of now, the whereabouts of the third man, Mukhtar Ahmed, remain unknown.

The NHRC is currently examining the complaint, which raises troubling questions about accountability, the treatment of marginalized communities, and the role of law enforcement in the area.

Srinagar, June 25: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday expressed hope that more film-makers would make movies in Kashmiri language to showcase the Valley’s beauty and local talent.

Speaking to reporters after premiere of the first-ever Kashmiri-Kannada film ‘Harmukh’ in Srinagar, he said, “This is very good, they have acted very well.”

The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said more films should be made in Kashmiri language, which could then be dubbed in other languages to reach a wider audience.

“I hope they make more films in Kashmiri language, like in other states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Bengal and Bollywood. We want them to make Kashmiri films that are watched everywhere, because there are Kashmiris everywhere. We can dub these movies in other languages so that others can understand them as well,” he said.

The veteran politician, however, asked the film-makers to make quality films, unlike “some in the past that could not be screened” over lack of artistry.

“Let our producers and directors make good films. Kashmir is a beautiful place and there is tremendous talent. The local actors will get a break here, they can then showcase their talent elsewhere,” he added.

About ‘Harmukh’, Abdullah said he felt happy after watching it. “God willing, it will soon come on Netflix and the whole world can watch it,” he said.

Srinagar, June 25: Multi-layered and in-depth security arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra to ensure safe and smooth pilgrimage, Kashmir Police chief V K Birdi said on Wednesday.

“The Shri Amarnath Yatra this year is starting next week. Jammu-Kashmir Police and other security forces have made all security arrangements for the yatra. Compared to last year, this time there are multi-layered and in-depth security arrangements so as to make the yatra safe and smooth,” the inspector general of Kashmir Police told reporters in Anantnag.

Birdi visited the Nunwan base camp of the yatra along the Pahalgam axis and reviewed the security arrangements for the pilgrimage which starts July 3.

The IGP said the security arrangements for the 38-day pilgrimage have been divided into different levels, including zonal, and security drills were held at every level on Wednesday ahead of the yatra.

“The aim of the drills is to refine our alertness, and preparedness of our actions and responses at the time of any contingency. Such drills were conducted at every place like camps, roads or interior sections along the yatra routes so that all the security forces remain alert and know what specific tasks they have to carry out to fight any contingency,” he added.

Asked about the local support to the yatra, Birdi said the yatra cannot be conducted without the support of the local population.

“They become successful due to the help and support by the locals. This time also, the people are excited to welcome the yatris and provide them any possible help,” the IGP said.

Meanwhile, security forces conducted drills at Pahalgam, Anantnag, and Qazigund in south Kashmir; Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, and Sumbal in north Kahsmir’s Bandipora district.