Two Kashmir brothers killed: one by rebels, another by army

In Indian-administered Kashmir, Rashid Ahmad Mughal was shot dead by the Indian army on March 31, 2026, under controversial circumstances. The army claimed that Rashid was killed during an operation targeting suspected rebels, stating they acted on "specific intelligence input" regarding the presence of "terrorists". However, local residents have labeled the incident a "fake encounter," alleging it was an extrajudicial killing. Rashid's body was buried 80 kilometers away in a graveyard designated for alleged rebels, a practice intended to prevent public unrest.

This incident echoes the family's earlier tragedy when Rashid's brother, Ishfaq, was killed by armed rebels in 2000. The Mughal family has long sought closure for Ishfaq's death, waiting over 26 years for his remains to be returned for proper Islamic rites. The killings of both brothers highlight the ongoing conflict in Kashmir, a region fraught with violence and deep-seated grievances.

The Gujjar community, to which the Mughal family belongs, has historically been aligned with Indian authorities but is now increasingly vulnerable. Since the revocation of Kashmir's special status in 2019, the community has faced rising violence and discrimination, with at least 11 Gujjars reportedly killed in suspected extrajudicial encounters. This shift in dynamics has led to growing resentment and protests against the Indian military's actions.

The New Delhi-appointed governor has ordered a magisterial inquiry into Rashid's killing, promising a report within seven days. However, skepticism remains among the local population regarding the impartiality of such investigations, given the history of similar incidents in the region.

What to watch: The outcome of the magisterial inquiry into Rashid's killing will be closely monitored, as it could influence public sentiment and further protests in Kashmir.