Jammu: The proceedings of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly were disrupted on Monday as National Conference (NC) and Congress MLAs called for a debate on the killings of three civilians in Kathua district.
The MLAs from NC and Congress stood up and demanded that the question hour be suspended to allow a discussion on the killings. They criticized the Central government’s handling of law and order in the union territory, claiming the situation had worsened in recent years.
In response, BJP MLAs defended the government, claiming the three victims were killed by terrorists backed by Pakistan. They also mentioned that the Lt. Governor had ordered a detailed investigation into the killings and suggested that the House wait for the report before further discussion.
Congress MLAs pushed for an adjournment motion to suspend the question hour, allowing time for a discussion on the incident.
Independent MLA Rajeshwar Singh entered the well of the House, accusing BJP activists of attacking him when he visited the victims’ families.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified on Sunday via a post on X that the three civilians had been killed by terrorists.
The victims, who had been missing since Thursday while traveling to a wedding, were found dead in Kathua district on Saturday. The deceased were identified as 15-year-old Varun Singh from Dehota, his 32-year-old uncle Yogesh Singh, and his 40-year-old maternal uncle Darshan Singh.
Their bodies were discovered in Ishu Nallah in the Malhar area of Kathua district during a joint search operation by the J&K Police and the Indian Army on Saturday afternoon. The three had gone missing while attending a wedding procession from Dehuta village to Lohai Malhar village in Billawar Tehsil. Locals had reported seeing “unknown suspects” in the area earlier in the week.