Anger has erupted in parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir following the deaths of three civilians in army custody. The three men were among eight detained by the Indian army on Friday for questioning in connection with an attack on army vehicles by rebels in the southern Poonch district. The attack had killed four soldiers and wounded three others.
Locals accuse the army of torturing the three men to death in a nearby military camp, with their bodies reportedly showing severe signs of torture. The bodies were later handed over to police and families were notified. Several other detainees were also reportedly tortured, and videos of the abuse spread online, fueling public outrage.
To quell protests, authorities shut down internet services in Poonch and nearby Rajouri, a common tactic used to prevent the spread of unrest. The Indian military has acknowledged the civilian deaths, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation. Protests erupted in Srinagar, with political leaders criticizing the army's actions.
This incident comes amid ongoing tensions in Kashmir, which has been under heavy military control due to a long-standing insurgency. Critics argue that the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) enables the army to act with impunity, contributing to a history of violence against civilians.