SRINAGAR, July 28, 2025 : A group of nomadic Gujjar-Bakarwal men have alleged that they were assaulted by an Army officer in the Daghwan mountain region on the outskirts of Srinagar last week.
The incident, yet to be officially addressed by the Army, was brought to public attention by Choudhary Javed Iqbal, National Conference MLA from Budhal (Rajouri), who claimed that 3–4 men from the tribal community were beaten by Army personnel on Saturday.
“These nomadic tribals migrate annually and stay in Dhoks in this region. They were called by the Army and then assaulted. I have taken up the matter with the Divisional Commissioner,” Iqbal said on Monday. He also posted on X, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene, writing, “Stop this provocation. Protect tribal lives.”
The victims were identified as Showkat Ahmad, Liyaqat Ali, Ghulam Qadir, and Mohammed Azam, according to Ishtiyaq Ahmad, a relative currently in the Daghwan area.
“There was no provocation. This is a newly established Army camp, and they were simply asked to vacate,” he alleged.
On Sunday evening, the men were reportedly called to Harwan Police Station, where they met with the local SP. According to Ahmad, the SP assured them they could remain in the area for at least three more months.
Daghwan, located in the higher reaches near Srinagar, is seasonally inhabited by Gujjar and Bakarwal families during their annual migration with livestock.
Terming the incident “unfortunate,” Mian Mehar Ali, NC MLA from Kangan, confirmed that the issue had been raised with concerned authorities.
“Yes, they were beaten. I’ve spoken to officials who assured me that the matter will be looked into,” he said.
When contacted, Defence PRO Lt. Col. Manoj Sahu said he had no information on the matter but promised to check the details.
Attempts to reach SSP Srinagar Sandeep Chakravarthy for comments remained unsuccessful.
