Kashmiri youth found dead following detention by Indian army
Body of 22-year-old Imtiyaz Magray recovered from stream in Kulgam, raising allegations of torture and extrajudicial killing
SRINAGAR, Kashmir (MNTV) – The body of 22-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, a resident of Tangmarg in Damhal Hanjipora, was recovered from the Vaishav stream in Kulgam district of Kashmir valley, two days after he was allegedly detained by the Indian Army.
The incident has reignited fears of custodial killings and deepened public outrage in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Magray, reportedly taken into custody during investigations following the recent Pahalgam attack, was found lifeless on May 4, sparking allegations of torture and extrajudicial execution.
His family and local residents have demanded accountability, but the Indian Army has yet to issue an official statement.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti described it as part of a disturbing trend of state abuse in the region.
“Yet another body has been recovered from a river in Kulgam, raising serious allegations of foul play,” Mufti said in a statement.
“Local residents allege that Imtiyaz Magray was picked up by the army two days ago, and now, his body has surfaced in the river.”
Mufti highlighted a broader erosion of civil rights in Kashmir, stating, “If a single act of violence triggers arbitrary arrests, home demolitions, and the targeting of innocent civilians, then the perpetrators have already achieved their objective.”
Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi echoed these concerns, warning of an emerging pattern of impunity.
“According to credible reports, Imtiyaz was picked up by security forces days ago, and today, he was returned to his family lifeless,” he said.
Mehdi also cited other recent cases, such as the alleged extrajudicial killing of 29-year-old Altaf Hussain Lali in Bandipora, where the family claims a staged encounter resulted in his death.
“Counterterrorism cannot be a pretext for collective punishment,” Mehdi emphasized.
“Arbitrary detentions, custodial killings, and torture undermine every democratic and legal principle.”
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) has called for a judicial probe into Magray’s death.
Senior NC leader and J&K minister Sakina Itoo visited the grieving family, expressing solidarity and promising support.
“This is a painful incident and a collective tragedy for all of us,” Itoo said.
“We stand with the family in this hour of grief.”
Rights advocates argue that cases like Magray’s and Lali’s further erode public trust in authorities and deepen unrest.
Despite mounting calls for transparency and justice, the lack of an official response has intensified suspicions.
Observers warn that such incidents contribute to an already fragile environment in Indian-administered Kashmir, where the space for accountability and justice continues to shrink.
The international community and human rights organizations are being urged to take note as the people of Kashmir demand justice for Imtiyaz Magray and other victims of alleged custodial killings.
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