Army orders probe after Ignou professor alleges assault by troops in Jammu and Kashmir

JAMMU: The Army on Friday ordered an inquiry after an Ignou professor accused troops of assaulting him without any provocation during a checking of vehicles in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir late Thursday night.

Officials said the professor, Liaqat Ali, allegedly suffered head injuries in the assault that took place near the border village of Laam in Nowshera. A purported video showing a bleeding Ali had surfaced online.

An Army statement suggested the victim had tried to snatch the weapon of troops, and might have sustained injuries during the scuffle. “An incident has come to light wherein certain individuals were allegedly manhandled by Army personnel in Rajouri district. The Army had input on the likely movement of terrorists in a vehicle in this sensitive area. Accordingly, search operations were being conducted. Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individual tried to snatch weapons of the soldiers on duty and initiated a scuffle with them. However, an inquiry has been initiated,” an Army spokesperson said in a statement in Jammu.

“Should any personnel be found guilty of misconduct, strict action will be taken in accordance with the existing law. The Army remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the conduct of counter-terror operations. All sections of society are requested to continue to cooperate and collaborate with the Indian Army for collective and comprehensive security in this sensitive area,” the statement added.

The incident allegedly took place when the professor, accompanied by his brothers and other relatives, were returning to Kalakote after attending a pre-wedding ceremony of his sister.

Sharing the video, which shows a bleeding Ali and others arguing with the troops, on her X handle, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said in a post: “This shocking act has shattered a common man’s faith — especially painful given that the victim’s family has proudly served in the Indian Army. I urge senior Army personnel to take immediate and strict action against those responsible. Such individuals tarnish the reputation of a respected institution through their unacceptable and high-handed behaviour.”