Gujjar Leaders Condemn AFT Ruling That Clears Brigadier in Poonch Custodial Deaths

Tensions are running high in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district after the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) cleared the service record of a Brigadier implicated in the custodial deaths of three men. The ruling has drawn sharp condemnation from Gujjar community leaders, who have demanded accountability and justice.

The controversy stems from a military operation launched in response to a deadly ambush near the Dera Ki Gali (DKG) area on December 21, 2023. In that attack, four soldiers were killed, with two of the bodies reportedly mutilated. The subsequent search operation led to the detention of several local men, three of whom died while in army custody.

The deaths triggered widespread protests and calls for a thorough investigation. The Brigadier, who oversaw the operation, faced scrutiny over the handling of the detainees. However, the AFT has now ruled in his favour, expunging any adverse remarks from his record.

This decision has reignited anger among the Gujjar community, who view it as a failure to deliver justice. Leaders argue that the tribunal's ruling overlooks the circumstances surrounding the deaths and sends a troubling signal about accountability in conflict zones.

The case remains a flashpoint in the region, highlighting the delicate balance between military operations and civilian rights in areas affected by insurgency.